Ramechhap bus accident: 10 of 12 deceased identified

RAMECHHAP: Ten of the 12 people who died in a bus accident near Manthali, the district headquarters of Ramechhap, earlier today have been identified.

According to Manthali Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Keshab Singh Dhami, the deceased have been identified as Bhim Bahadur Tamang, 38; Sanumaya Tamang, 35; Ramita Tamang, 26; and Tara Tamang, 31, all from Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality–7, Ramechhap.

Also among the deceased are Babi Tamang, 22, and Dipendra Basnet, 26, of Likhu Tamakoshi–4; Dipesh Basnet of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality–6; Man Kumari Baruwal, 45, of Likhu–6; Shiva Shrestha, 34, of Golanjor Rural Municipality–6, Sindhuli; and Man Bahadur Tamang, 60, of Bhimeshwor Municipality–8, Dolakha.

The identities of two other deceased passengers have yet to be ascertained. Ramechhap Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhola Bhatta said eight people, including the driver, were injured in the accident and are currently undergoing treatment at Jeevan Hospital in Khurkot, Manthali Hospital, and Tamakoshi Hospital.

Police have taken the bus driver into custody, and a search for any remaining passengers is ongoing. The bus, belonging to Araniko Yatayat and bearing registration number Pradesh 03-01-005 Kha 9975, was en route from Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga when it veered off the road at Masantar in Manthali Municipality–6, fell about 100 meters, and plunged into the Tamakoshi River early this morning.