Bus accident kills 18, hurts 11 in Nepal

Kathmandu, Mar 16: At least 18 people, including an infant, were killed and 11 others injured on Monday when a bus skidded off a rain-drenched mountain road and plunged some 25 meters into a gorge in northwestern Nepal.

The bus was heading for Nagam in Kalikot district from Jumla district, carrying 29 passengers. Thirteen people died on the spot, two others on their way to hospital and another two succumbed to their injuries upon reaching a hospital.

Three of the injured passengers are said to be in critical condition. One of the passengers escaped unhurt. A three- month-old boy also succumbed to injuries during treatment bringing the death toll to 18, Himalayan Times reported.

Police Inspector Indra Bahadur Raut said three seriously injured persons were airlifted to Kohalpur Medical College, Banke for treatment. Others are being treated at Jumla-based Karnali Institute of Health Sciences.

Meanwhile, police have identified all of the victims. The incidents of road mishaps have increased in the recent past across the country which are attributed to poor road conditions, old vehicles and negligence of drivers.

On December 8 last year, at least 18 people were killed and 49 others injured when an overcrowded bus fell off a mountain road and rolled 600 meters down a slope in western Nepal.

PTI