Dhaka - At least eight people were feared drowned in northern Bangladesh after a bus plunged into the Brahmaputra river while boarding a ferry, officials said Wednesday.

The accident happened near the farming town of Pabna about 280 kilometres north of the capital Dhaka late Tuesday.

Witnesses alleged the bus driver had lost control of the vehicle as it rolled to the edge of the ferry.

About 40 passengers, mostly farm workers, were on the bus at the time. Most were rescued by civil defence volunteers and passing boats but eight were reported missing. (dpa)