A tourist bus carrying Indian nationals plunged 150 meters into the Marshyangdi river on Friday, resulting in the tragic death of 27 passengers. The incident occurred in Ainapahra of Aambookhaireni, Tanahun, while the bus was en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
The bus, which bore an Indian number plate, was carrying 43 passengers when it veered off the road and fell into the river. The accident has left 16 others injured, who are currently receiving treatment at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Maharajganj, Kathmandu. The injured passengers were airlifted to Kathmandu by a Nepal Army helicopter shortly after the accident.
India’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse has arrived in Kathmandu to assess the situation and inquire about the health of the injured Indian citizens. The minister visited the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to meet the injured and offer support.
In a related development, the bodies of the deceased are undergoing postmortem examinations at Bharatpur Hospital in Chitwan. Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Indradev Yadav, confirmed that the bodies will be repatriated to India once the postmortem procedures are completed.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to the affected families. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and an investigation is expected to be launched by local authorities.
-Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)