A tragic bus accident in Nepal’s Tanahun district has claimed the lives of at least 21 people, with 22 others injured. The incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, when a bus carrying 43 Indian pilgrims plunged into the Marsyangdi River while en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu.The ill-fated bus, bearing the Uttar Pradesh registration number UP FT 7623, veered off the Prithvi Highway and fell about 150 meters towards the river. Shailendra Thapa, spokesperson for Nepal’s Armed Police Force, confirmed that the bus ‘plunged into the rain-swollen Marsyangdi river’.A massive rescue operation is currently underway, involving Nepalese army and police teams using long metal ladders and ropes to pull people from the river. A team of 45 Armed Police Force personnel, including divers, is leading the rescue efforts. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu stated, ‘We are coordinating with local authorities to undertake relief and rescue operations. We are also working to locate the missing people and provide assistance to the injured’.This tragic event has reignited concerns about road safety in Nepal, particularly during the monsoon season. Bus accidents in the country are often attributed to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, as well as the challenging mountainous terrain. Just last month, a similar incident occurred when two buses were swept away by landslides into the Trishuli River, resulting in 62 fatalities.The Uttar Pradesh government in India is dispatching an official to help coordinate the rescue efforts and provide assistance to the affected families. As the situation continues to develop, authorities are working tirelessly to account for all passengers and provide necessary medical care to the survivors.
Key points
- A bus carrying 43 Indian pilgrims plunged into the Marsyangdi River in Nepal, resulting in 21 deaths and 22 injuries.
- The accident occurred on the Prithvi Highway between Pokhara and Kathmandu.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, involving Nepalese authorities and coordination with the Indian Embassy.
- The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nepal, especially during the monsoon season.
Contradictions👾There are discrepancies in the reported number of casualties across different sources, ranging from 14 to 21 deaths.
👾Some reports mention 39 people rescued, while others state 29 were rescued, indicating inconsistencies in the rescue numbers.
