AT least 24 people have died after a bus carrying about 50 people plunged into a major river in central Bangladesh while driving onto a ferry, authorities said today.

The bus plunged into the Padma River on Wednesday afternoon in Rajbari district, about 52 miles from the capital, Dhaka.

Rescuers recovered 22 bodies from the submerged bus, including five children.

Two more women died later after being rescued.

The bus was travelling to the capital from the south-western district of Kushtia as people returned to work after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.

Fire official Dewan Sohel Rana said many passengers swam to safety, but others got trapped.

Rescuers worked overnight to recover bodies, but strong currents and rains disrupted the operations, he said.

Verified footage shared online shows the bus toppling over an edge and plunging into the water 

People can be heard shouting and screaming as others throw long scarves to pull passengers out.

Thousands die each year in road and ferry accidents in Bangladesh due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.