Govt. forms task force to find out missing bus in Trishuli

Newly appointed Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has constituted a task force to carry out study regarding the missing buses that plunged into Trishuli river along Mugling-Narayangadh section of national highway following a heavy landslide on Friday morning. A task force led by Joint Secretary Chhabi Rijal includes five members is required to submit its report within ten days, according to officials.

Meanwhile the number of dead bodies recovered from the accident site has reached 13. Out of that three dead bodies belong to Indian nationals and five are yet to be identified.

A bus heading from Birgunj to Kathmandu and another bus heading to Gaur from Kathmandu fell into Trishuli river at Simaltal area following a heavy landslide in the area. There were altogether 54 people including seven Indian nationals in the buses. Three passengers have escaped from the falling bus and swam to safety. However, 51 people had gone missing, out of which 13 bodies are recovered so far.

The government has mobilized around 500 security personnel and dozens of deep divers equipped with modern equipment such as water drone, powerful magnet and rafting boats to located the bus and the missing passengers.