Bus carrying Indian tourists falls into river, 27 dead – Sigorta Haber

Coach falls into ravine, claiming numerous lives

At least 27 people lost their lives in Nepal on Friday when a tourist bus plunged into a gorge and then landed in the Marsyangdi river in the central Tanahun district. The bus was carrying tourists from the state of Maharashtra in central-western India and was on its way from Pokhara, a popular tourist destination, to Nepal's capital Kathmandu. Nepal often welcomes Indian tourists, especially families, who travel by land to visit important Hindu temples.

Unclear cause and rescue challenges

The exact cause of the tragic accident remains unclearBirendra Bahadur Shahi, a police superintendent in Tanahun, reported that 16 other people were injured in the incident. Hospital sources said many of the injured are in critical condition and have been flown to Kathmandu for further treatment. The difficult terrain at the site made rescue operations difficult and rescue workers spent seven grueling hours using ropes to rescue the injured and dead.

Government reaction and condolences

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his deep sadness over the accident and said he was “deeply saddened”As a sign of support, India sent a minister, Raksha Khadse, to Kathmandu on Saturday to help treat the injured and repatriate the deceased.

Concerns about road safety in Nepal

Nepal has long struggled with road safety issues, exacerbated by its rugged, mountainous terrain. Roads are often narrow and much of the country remains difficult to access. Just last month, a landslide caused two moving buses to plunge into the Trishuli River, killing over 60 people. Between April 2022 and April 2023, there were more than 2,300 road-related deaths in the country.

Impact on the tourism sector

These frequent accidents, along with ongoing flight safety problems, endanger not only the lives of Nepal's citizens but also the vital tourism sector, a major source of income for the impoverished country. “Bad news spreads faster than good news,” noted Babar Jung Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur from Pokhara.