Death toll climbs to 17: Driver out of control and negligent plunges bus into Sunkoshi River

KATHMANDU: The toll of the tragic bus accident in Sukute of Sindhupalchowk district has reached 17.

15 were confirmed dead on the spot of the accident site whereas an additional two died while undergoing treatment.

7 of those who have died have been identified. The ones whose identifications have been revealed are 24-year old Ranjita KC, 27-year-old Chameli Shrestha, her 6-year-old daughter Shahirami Shrestha, an infant 3-month-old Sisan Tamang, and 50-year-old Raktakumari Rawat from Dolakha.

Two receiving treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital and Shree Memorial Hospital who passed away are Tej Kumari Basnet and Sunila Tamang.

The bus that was headed towards Kathmandu from Sailung village in Dolakha district fell into the Sunkoshi River. The ill-fated bus numbered BA 2 KHA 7245 fell in the afternoon.

In the accident, 49 people have been wounded. They are being treated at the Dhulikhel Hospital. Two of the injured have been taken to the Shree Memorial Hospital.

Following the accident rescue efforts were carried out immediately by the Nepal Police, Nepal Armed Force and the Nepal Army. The bus that was submerged was pulled up with the help of a crane. The distance between the road and the river where the bus had fallen was 35 meters.

Initial investigations point toward the negligence of the driver. Due to high speed in sharp turns and a narrow road, the driver was unable to control the bus which plunged into the river.  This has been verified by the initial investigation by the district traffic police office of Sindhupalchowk district.