A tragic accident in Nepal has claimed the lives of at least 27 Indian nationals after a passenger bus plunged into the Marsyangdi River in the Tanahun district today. The bus, registered in India and carrying approximately 40 passengers, was on its way to the capital, Kathmandu, when it veered off the road and fell into the river, about 110 kilometers from its destination.
Janardan Gautam, an official from Tanahun district, confirmed the death toll, stating, “Out of 43, in total 27 people have died.” Rescue operations were challenging as rescuers battled the strong currents of the Marsyangdi River to retrieve passengers from the water. Sixteen injured passengers were airlifted by military helicopters to Kathmandu for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities revealed that all passengers on the bus were Indian nationals who had spent the previous night in Pokhara and were en route to Kathmandu. The bus, bearing the number plate UP FT 7623 (from Uttar Pradesh, India), was found lying on the bank of the river after the accident.
This incident follows a devastating landslide in Nepal’s Chitwan district last month, which swept two buses into the Trishuli River, resulting in the deaths of at least five Indians. That landslide occurred on July 12 along the Narayanghat-Mugling road, where heavy rainfall caused two buses, carrying 65 passengers, including seven Indians, to be swept away. Rescue teams have recovered 25 bodies from the riverbanks and the Triveni Dam area, with 19 of them confirmed as victims of that landslide.
The tragic bus accident in the Tanahun district has once again highlighted the dangers faced by travelers in the region, particularly during the monsoon season when roads can be treacherous. The Indian and Nepalese authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure the safe recovery and identification of all victims, while the injured are receiving treatment in Kathmandu.
This latest tragedy underscores the need for enhanced safety measures on mountain roads in Nepal, which are prone to landslides and other hazards during the rainy season. The families of the victims, both in India and Nepal, are mourning the loss of their loved ones in this devastating accident.
Sources By Agencies
