Nepal Bus Accident Claims 16 Lives; IAF Mobilized to Return Maharashtra Pilgrims’ Bodies
New Delhi: In a tragic accident in Nepal, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims from Maharashtra plunged off a highway into the Marsyangdi river, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people. The victims, primarily from Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, were part of a group of 104 pilgrims on a 10-day tour of Nepal. The accident occurred as the bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu with 43 passengers onboard.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bring back the bodies of the deceased to Maharashtra. The injured, numbering 16, were airlifted to Kathmandu and admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for treatment. According to Deputy Spokesperson of the Armed Police Force (APF), Shailendra Thapa, 16 people died on the spot, while 11 others succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. “We are deeply pained by the tragic death of 27 Indian nationals in a road accident in Tanahun district of Nepal. We convey our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the ministry said in a message on X .
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his condolences on X, acknowledging the gravity of the tragedy. Senior NCP (SP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse noted that the pilgrims had embarked on their journey to Nepal after visiting Ayodhya four days prior.
Nepalese authorities, alongside local rescue teams, faced considerable challenges in navigating the strong currents of the Marsyangdi river to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies of those who perished. The accident underscores the dangers of travel on Nepal’s mountainous roads, where accidents are unfortunately not uncommon.
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