12 pilgrims die in bus accident in Nepal

KATHMANDU: At least 12 Indian pilgrims were killed and 27 others injured today when a bus carrying them plunged some 100 metre down from the hilly road at Naubise village in Dhading district, 75-km east of Kathmandu in Nepal.

The bus with Indian number plate was carrying around 45 pilgrims from Gujarat who were returning to Gorakhpur in India after a pilgrimage to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Superintendent of Police Bishworaj Pokharel said.

Rescue efforts are going on at the accident site, which lies along the Tribhuvan Highway, with the help of security personnel and the local people, he said.

The injured passengers have been rushed to Kathmandu for medical treatment. The condition of six injured is critical.

The death toll might rise as the bus was trapped in a gorge like site and some passenger might have been trapped under the bus, Pokharel said.

The famous 5th century Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, mostly from India.