KATHMANDU: In a tragic incident on Friday, an Indian-registered passenger bus carrying around 40 passengers plunged into the Marsyangdi River at Aaina Pahara, Anbu Khaireni-2, in Nepal’s Tanahun district. The accident occurred around 11:30 AM, according to the District Police Office, Tanahun.
Dipak Kumar Raya, spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police Office, provided initial details of the incident. “It is said that the passenger bus fell from Aaina Pahara into the Marsyangdi River. We have reached the incident scene, but further details are yet to be received,” DSP Raya stated.
The bus was reportedly en route to a destination in Nepal when it veered off the road and fell into the river. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that the heavy rainfall and slippery road conditions in the area might have contributed to the tragedy. The region has been experiencing incessant rainfall, leading to floods and landslides, further exacerbating road conditions.
Rescue operations have been initiated, with local authorities, police, and emergency services working tirelessly to reach the submerged bus and save any potential survivors. The swift currents of the Marsyangdi River, bolstered by the monsoon season’s heavy rains, are complicating rescue efforts.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of road travel in hilly regions of Nepal, particularly during the monsoon season, when floods and landslides are common. This incident also highlights the need for stringent road safety measures and proper maintenance of roadways to prevent such tragedies.
The bus accident in Tanahun is a stark reminder of the recurring issues faced by travelers during the monsoon season in Nepal. The country has been grappling with the dual challenges of road safety and natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, which claim numerous lives every year.
The incident has sent shockwaves across both India and Nepal, with families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been notified, and efforts are underway to identify the passengers and provide assistance to the victims’ families.
This bus accident adds to the growing number of road tragedies in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing monsoon rains. With the current weather conditions, the risk of such accidents remains high, making it crucial for travelers and authorities to exercise caution.
As rescue efforts continue, the priority remains on locating survivors and providing medical aid to those affected. Further updates on the situation are expected as authorities gather more information from the scene.