In a devastating accident, an Indian tourist bus carrying 43 people veered off a highway and plunged 150 meters into the Marsyangdi River in central Nepal on Friday, leaving 14 people dead and 16 others injured.
The bus, which originated from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was en route from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara to the capital city of Kathmandu.
The passengers were part of a larger group of Indian pilgrims visiting Nepal from Maharashtra. The tragic incident has sparked a significant rescue operation, involving both Nepalese and Indian authorities.
The Accident: Bus Plunges 150 Meters into River
The ill-fated bus, with the registration number UP 53 FT 7623, was one of three buses carrying a group of 104 Indian pilgrims from Maharashtra. The group had arrived in Nepal two days earlier for a 10-day pilgrimage tour across the Himalayan nation.
After spending two days in Pokhara, all three buses embarked on their journey to Kathmandu early Friday morning. The accident occurred at Aaina Pahara in the Tanahun district, a treacherous stretch of road known for its sharp curves and steep drops.
According to local authorities, the bus veered off the highway and fell into the fast-flowing Marsyangdi River.
The impact of the fall was devastating, with the bus being badly damaged and many passengers thrown from their seats. The Marsyangdi River, swollen by recent monsoon rains, made the rescue efforts even more challenging.
Rescue Operations: Coordinated Efforts from Nepal and India
Immediately after the accident, a large-scale rescue operation was launched by the local authorities in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Armed Police Force (APF), Shailendra Thapa, confirmed that 14 bodies had been recovered from the crash site, while 16 injured passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
An MI 17 helicopter from the Nepal Army, equipped with a medical team, was dispatched to the accident site at Anbu Khaireni in the Tanahun district to assist in the rescue efforts.
The Gandaki Province Police Office in Pokhara reported that 15 of those rescued were able to communicate, providing crucial information to the rescue teams. The Embassy of India in Nepal has been actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure that all possible assistance is provided to the victims and their families.
Uttar Pradesh Government Responds: Relief Efforts Underway
In response to the tragedy, the government of Uttar Pradesh has taken swift action to assist in the rescue and relief operations. Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar issued a statement confirming the accident and detailing the measures being taken.
The statement noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had dispatched a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) from Maharajganj to the accident site to oversee the relief efforts. Additionally, an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) has been appointed to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and local authorities in Nepal.
The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to Nepal, often causing landslides and making road travel particularly hazardous.
Last month, two buses carrying 65 passengers were swept away by a landslide into the Trishuli River, highlighting the dangers that travelers face during this time of year.
The tragic accident in Nepal serves as a stark reminder of the perils of travel in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, particularly during the monsoon season.
As rescue operations continue and families mourn the loss of their loved ones, both the Indian and Nepalese authorities are working tirelessly to provide support and ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated in the future.
