KATHMANDU: The passenger bus that met with a fatal accident in Dhading on Monday morning had departed from Pokhara at 7 pm on Sunday, officials have confirmed.
According to Ain Kumar Sai, Chair of the Prithvi Highway Bus Operators Company Pvt Ltd, the bus (Ga 2 Kha 1421) operated by Machhapuchhre Tours and Travels had left Pokhara carrying 34 passengers. The vehicle belonged to Om Kumar Shrestha of Jamune, Tanahun, who was also on board.
Police said at least 18 people have been confirmed dead so far. Officials of the Prithvi Highway Bus Operators Company have reached the incident site from Malekhu to collect further details.
Sai informed that the driver of the bus was Sujit Nepali, and his condition remains unknown. The injured are receiving treatment at Trauma Center and other hospitals in Kathmandu, while some are being treated at local health facilities.
The bus was heading towards Kathmandu when it crashed at Bhaisigauda in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5 of Dhading district along the Prithvi Highway, reportedly at around 1:30 am.
Meanwhile, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has expressed sorrow over the incident.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Mayor Acharya said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the accident. He paid tribute to the deceased passengers and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He also wished a speedy recovery to the 24 injured passengers and thanked the Armed Police Force, disaster management teams, divers, and local residents involved in the rescue operation.
Mayor Acharya urged all concerned to extend support and show humanitarian sensitivity to the grieving families during this difficult time.
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