The bus that fell into the Padma River while waiting to board a ferry at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari on Wednesday evening initially left Kushtia's Kumarkhali counter with only eight passengers.

The victims are Gias Uddin Ripon, 45, his wife Lita Khatun, 37, and their children Abul Kasem Safi, 17, and Ayesha Binte Gias, 13.

Gias Uddin Ripon is a resident of Shomspur village in Khoksa Upazila and the son-in-law of the late Bakul Biswas of Kumarkhali Municipal Building area. The family was returning to their business, Taqwa Food Products factory in Dhaka, after spending Eid holidays at his in-laws’ home.

The others are Md. Nuruzzaman, 32, his wife Ayesha Akhter, 30, and their children Nawara Akhter, 4, and 7-month-old Arshan. They are residents of Khondakbaria village in Kachua Union of Shailkupa Upazila, Jhenaidah district. Nuruzzaman works in a private company in Dhaka.

Relatives reported that Ayesha Akhter, Arshan, and Ayesha Binte Gias are still missing from these two families.

Tanmoy Ahmed, counter master of Showhardo Paribahan, said the bus departed around 2:30 pm with eight passengers in six seats.

"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.

Mohammad Salah Uddin, Assistant General Manager of BIWTC Daulatdia, confirmed that rescue operations began immediately.

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.