KATHMANDU: It has been confirmed that 65 passengers were on board the two buses involved in a tragic accident on Friday morning on the Narayanghat-Mugling road section in Simaltal, Bharatpur Metropolitan City Ward No-29, Chitwan. The confirmation comes from the District Administration Office, Chitwan, based on ticket records and statements from relatives.
According to the District Administration Office, the Bagmati Deluxe bus (Ba Pra-03-001 B 2495) traveling from Kathmandu to Gaur carried 38 passengers, while the Angel Deluxe bus (Ba Pra-03-006 B 1516) traveling from Birgunj to Kathmandu had 27 passengers.
“27 people had bought tickets on the Ganapati Bus in Gaur. There are 11 people whose relatives have provided details,” said Indradev Yadav, Chief District Officer of Chitwan. “23 people had booked tickets on the Angel Deluxe bus. Relatives mentioned that four people boarded without tickets.”
Three passengers—Nandan Das, Suraj Prasad Gupta, and Jageshwar Yadav—jumped from the Ganpati Deluxe bus and saved their lives when it fell into the Trishuli River. The bodies of four people have been recovered, with one remaining unidentified. Among the three identified bodies, one was an Indian national and two were Nepali nationals.
In the aftermath of the incident, divers from the Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army, and Nepal Police have been conducting search operations for the buses. Despite their efforts, the buses have not yet been located.
Chief District Officer Yadav emphasized the ongoing nature of the rescue efforts. “We are continuing our search operations with all available resources. The safety and recovery of the passengers remain our top priority,” he stated.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the local community, and efforts are ongoing to support the affected families and locate any remaining passengers.