LUMBINI: Twelve people died and 23 others were injured when a passenger bus fell off the bridge and plunged into the Rapti River in Bhalubang, Dang, on Friday night.
The ill-fated bus, which was heading from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, veered off the bridge at around 10 pm. According to police, the speeding bus lost control, broke through the railing on the right side of the bridge, and fell some 20 meters into the river.
The victims have been identified as Kusum Basnet (60) of Banke, Saurabh Bista (39) of Makwanpur, Tarakanta Pandey (65) of Kathmandu, Mune (31) of Uttar Pradesh, India, Bahadur Raut (40) of Jumla, Ram Baran Harijan (30) of Banke, Deepak Kami (25) of Rukum, and Jangendra Ram (67) of Bihar, India, as reported by the Area Police Office, Bhalubang. The identity of the four deceased, who are said to be in the 30-40 age group, has not been ascertained yet.
Among the deceased, seven bodies were recovered from inside the bus, while five succumbed to injuries during treatment at various hospitals. Likewise, twenty-two injured individuals are receiving medical attention at different healthcare facilities.
The bus was carrying a total of 35 passengers including the driver.
Meanwhile, police have taken the bus driver, Samir Nepali, under control for further investigation.
