Seven individuals have lost their lives, and nine others have sustained injuries following a tragic incident where a bus carrying pilgrims plunged down a mountainous route. The accident occurred in the vicinity of Shahid Lakhan village, located approximately 75 miles to the west of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. The bus, which was transporting a group of Indian pilgrims back from the revered Manakamana Temple, a significant Hindu site believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes, veered off the road while descending a curve. The vehicle tumbled down the mountainside, descending about 500 feet before coming to rest in a ravine.
Among the casualties were five men and two women, identified as Tamilarsi (60), Meenakshi (59), Muthu Kumar (58), Anamalik (58), Meena (58), Vijayal (57), and Sivagami (53), as confirmed by Gorkha District Police Office Chief Bharat Bahadur BK. Additionally, nine individuals, including seven Indian pilgrims, the bus driver, and an assistant, sustained injuries in the tragic incident.
Local authorities and villagers promptly responded to the scene, assisting in rescuing the injured and facilitating their transportation via ambulances to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Police have announced that autopsies will be carried out on the deceased individuals before their release to their respective families.
Nepal has seen a high frequency of bus accidents, predominantly attributed to inadequate road maintenance and substandard vehicles. The challenging terrain, dominated by mountains and narrow pathways, poses significant risks for travelers.
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