Rescuers have recovered fourteen bodies from the bus that plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ghat in Goalanda Upazila on Wednesday afternoon.
Of the deceased, two were identified as Rehena Akhter and Morjina Begum. The identities of the other victims could not be confirmed, as the bodies were recovered between 11:30 pm to 12:45am.
Currently, two passengers are receiving treatment at Daulatdia Upazila Health Complex, while another is being treated at home, UNB correspondents report from the scene.
Meanwhile, the ill-fated bus is being pulled up.
Tanmoy Ahmed, counter master of Showhardo Paribahan, said the bus departed around 2:30 pm with eight passengers.
"Along the route, seven more boarded at Khoksa, four at Machpara, and fifteen at Pangsha," he said.
According to him, there were a total of 50 passengers in the 40-seater bus, including the driver and helper.
The bus arrived at Ghat No. 3 in Daulatdia around 5:15 pm and waited for a ferry.
Md. Monir Hossain, in charge of the ghat, said a utility ferry named Hasna Hena suddenly hit the pontoon.
“Unable to withstand the impact, the bus on the pontoon fell into the Padma River,” he said.
Monir Hossain added that while some passengers managed to escape, most remained trapped inside.
Station Officer Talha bin Zashim of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) said the bus has been located, and efforts are underway to lift it with the help of BIWTA's rescue vessel Hamza.