At least 18 people were killed when a passenger bus fell into Trishuli river near Gajuri of Dhading district early morning on Monday. Twenty six other passengers were injured in the accident that occurred when the bus coming towards Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into Trishuli river along Prithvi Highway near Gajuri of Dhading, 90 km West of Kathmandu at 1.30 am, according to Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson at the Armed Police Force.
Seventeen dead bodies have been recovered from the accident site and 28 injured passengers have been rescued from the bus, according to Bhatta. The injured passengers have been admitted to different hospitals for medical treatment. Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel have been mobilized to carry out rescue works.
Among those killed in the accident, one male passenger is from New Zealand. One Japanese and one Netherland nationals, both women were among those injured in the incident.
Although, the exact reason of the accident could not yet been ascertained, the police said that over speed of the vehicle might be the reason for the mishap. meanwhile, the governmen has formed a five member probe committee headed by a joint secretary to investigate into the Dhading bus mishap.
