A devastating incident occurred in Nepal's Tanahun district, where an Indian passenger bus carrying 40 people veered off course and plunged into the Marsyangdi River. This tragic event has been confirmed by the Nepal Police, with ANI and PTI reports providing further details.
The Incident: What Happened?
The incident took place on the morning of August 23, at approximately 11:30 am, as the bus was en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara. According to DSP Dipak Kumar Raya, the spokesperson for the District Police Office in Tanahun, the bus tragically fell into the Marsyangdi River. The initial reports confirm the severity of the accident, with at least 14 people losing their lives.
Rescue Efforts: Lives Saved Amidst the Tragedy
Despite the devastating nature of the accident, rescue operations were swiftly initiated. So far, 29 individuals have been rescued from the wreckage. An AP report added that the bus, after veering off the highway, rolled towards the river but stopped on the rocky bank, sparing it from completely submerging in the fast-flowing waters. The top part of the bus was ripped off, indicating the force of the crash. Fourteen passengers were pulled out unconscious and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
The Bus's Origin: Potentially from Uttar Pradesh
Further details about the bus indicate that it bore the number plate UP FT 7623, suggesting it likely originated from Uttar Pradesh, India. DSP Deepkumar Raya confirmed this information, but efforts are ongoing to establish contact with authorities in Uttar Pradesh to determine if any of the passengers were from the state. The Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner is actively involved in these efforts to gather more information about the passengers.
Massive Rescue Operation: Forces and Resources Mobilized
A large-scale rescue operation was launched in response to the accident. A team of 45 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Madhav Paudel from the Armed Police Force Nepal Disaster Management Training School, arrived on the scene to conduct the rescue mission. Additionally, 35 personnel from Battalion No. 23 in Bhanu, Tanahun, were also involved in the efforts.
To expedite the rescue operations, an MI-17 helicopter from the Nepal Army, carrying a medical team, was dispatched from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport to the accident site. The seriousness of the situation was further highlighted by the sharing of rescue operation footage on social media, where ANI cited a video released by the Rastriya Samachar Samiti, a Nepal-based news agency.
Recent Precedents: A Grim Reminder of Previous Tragedies
This tragic incident in Tanahun is not an isolated case in Nepal. Just last month, in July, a similar tragedy struck when 65 people on two buses were swept into the Trishuli River during heavy rains. The buses, one of which was Kathmandu-bound, were caught in the deluge and were swept away by the river’s powerful currents. Such incidents highlight the dangers of traveling through Nepal’s mountainous terrain, especially during the monsoon season, when roads become perilous.
The accident in Tanahun district is a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can occur on Nepal's roads. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to the victims and their families. Further updates are awaited as authorities continue their investigation and rescue efforts.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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