18 killed, 49 injured in Nepal bus accident

KATHMANDU: 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.

The bus veered off the road near Pokharakada village last night. Rescuers pulled out 14 bodies while four more died at a hospital.

The bus was heading towards Tikapur village of Kailali district from Kalikot district when it met with the accident.

There were 67 people on the bus, which had 38 seats. The injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals, police said.

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.