In a tragic incident, an Indian passenger bus carrying 40 people plunged into the Marsyangdi River in Nepal’s Tanahun district on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to 16 others. The bus, which bore a number plate from Uttar Pradesh, India, was traveling from the tourist city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, when it met with the fatal accident.
According to Deepkumar Raya, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Tanahun district, the bus lost control and veered off the road at Aaina Pahara, a treacherous section of the route known for its sharp curves and challenging driving conditions. Visuals from the accident site showed the bus’s top part ripped off, with wreckage scattered near the river’s edge, highlighting the force of the impact.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. However, initial reports suggest that the road’s poor condition, combined with heavy rain, may have contributed to the vehicle’s loss of control. Nepal’s monsoon season often makes roads slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of such incidents.
Rescue operations were promptly initiated by a team of 45 police personnel, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Madhav Paudel from the Armed Police Force Nepal Disaster Management Training School. The team worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the wreckage and recover the bodies of the deceased. Those injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The conditions of some of the injured are reported to be critical, raising concerns about the death toll rising.
The Indian passengers aboard the bus were staying at Majheri Resort in Pokhara and had embarked on their journey to Kathmandu earlier that day. Authorities in India, including the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner, are making efforts to establish contact and gather information about the passengers, particularly to determine if any of the victims were from Uttar Pradesh.
This incident highlights the challenges posed by Nepal’s rugged topography and intricate river systems, which often contribute to transportation-related disasters. The narrow and winding roads, especially during the rainy season, can be perilous for both local and tourist traffic. Just last month, a similar tragedy occurred when two buses carrying around 65 passengers fell into the Trishuli River following a landslide, with over 50 people, including seven Indians, feared dead. The buses were traveling on the Madan-Ashrit Highway in central Nepal, one heading to Kathmandu from Birgunj and the other from Kathmandu to Gaur in Rautahat.
The Nepalese government has been urged to improve road safety measures, particularly during the monsoon season, to prevent such tragedies. The recurring nature of these accidents calls for immediate action to upgrade infrastructure and enforce stricter safety regulations for public transport vehicles. As the country mourns the loss of life, authorities continue to work on ensuring that those responsible for maintaining road safety are held accountable, and that measures are taken to safeguard the lives of passengers traveling on Nepal’s roads.
