The death toll from the tragic road accident in Nepal’s Tanahun district has risen to 41, according to Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who confirmed the latest figures during a press conference in Mumbai on Friday. The incident occurred on August 23 when a bus carrying approximately 43 passengers, mainly Indian tourists, veered off the road and plunged into the Marsyangdi River near Ainapahara in Tanahun District.
Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan detailed that the state government is actively coordinating with the Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Delhi to manage the relief efforts and ensure that the injured receive adequate medical care. The bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu when the accident happened.
Officials revealed that 12 survivors have been rescued by the Nepal Army and transported to hospitals for treatment. The exact number of fatalities is still being confirmed, with estimates suggesting that 16-18 additional passengers may be in critical condition. Most of the deceased are reported to be from Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is overseeing the disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts, has been in communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior officials regarding the repatriation of the deceased. Amit Shah has assured full support from the central government in managing the aftermath of this disaster.
A special Indian Air Force aircraft is scheduled to transport the bodies of 24 victims to Nashik, Maharashtra, on Saturday. Once in Nashik, the bodies will be handed over to their families for final rites. Chief Minister Shinde has expressed deep condolences and sympathy for the victims’ families and is working closely with the Nepalese authorities and the Uttar Pradesh government to expedite the process.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Shinde described the incident as deeply saddening and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. He assured that the state government is doing everything possible to support the victims and ensure prompt medical attention for the injured. The government remains committed to assisting the families of the deceased during this challenging time.
