Indians feared dead as Nepal bus accident kills 16

KATHMANDU: At least 16 people were killed when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, including Indians, fell into a river in western Nepal today.

Unconfirmed reports said that 11 Indians were among those killed when the bus rolled down a mountain road while returning from Pyuthan district, 250 kms from Kathmandu at about 5:30 pm (local time).

Chief District Officer Ram Bahadur Karumbang said most of the deceased were pilgrims from India.

The Indian Embassy also issued a press release saying that the majority of the passengers are believed to be Indian nationals from Balrampur and Gonda districts in Uttar Pradesh.

The bus was returning to Kapilavastu from the Swargadwari temple. Police said it was carrying around 60 passengers.

Rescue teams recovered at least 10 unidentified bodies from the accident site. Seven of the deceased are women.

Around 20 persons were rescued alive from the accident site and were taken to different hospitals in the area.

Police say that the death toll may rise. Presently, locals and police personnel are carrying out rescue operations.