Kathmandu, Feb 23: At least 17 people died after a bus travelling from western Pokhara to the capital Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River in the central district of Dhading early Monday, a senior official at the District Administration Office, Dhading, said.
“We have sent 17 people who appear to have died on the spot for medical confirmation,” Chief District Officer of Dhading, Bijaya Raj Subedi, told IANS. “We have also sent 27 others for treatment at different local hospitals and Kathmandu-based hospitals.” The bus plunged about 300 metres below the road to the riverbank at around 1:30 am on Monday in the Bhaisigauda area of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality. “The cause of the accident has not yet been identified, as the bus was travelling in its own lane,” Subedi said. District authorities confirmed that 44 people were travelling on the ill-fated passenger bus. Personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents were mobilised for the rescue operation. Authorities said the operation was hampered by nighttime conditions, difficult terrain, and a lack of rescue equipment.