KATHMANDU: A bus carrying pilgrims to Duppeshwar Mahadev Temple in Nuwakot rolled away on its own while parked along the Tokha–Chhahare road section on Saturday, killing two passengers and injuring three others.
The deceased have been identified as 54-year-old Krishnamaya Prajapati (Dangol) of Banepa Municipality-8, Kavre, and 65-year-old Udayamaya Khatri of Khandadevi Rural Municipality-2, Ramechhap, police said.
According to Nuwakot District Police Office chief Superintendent of Police Bipin Regmi, the injured were rescued from the scene and taken to Kathmandu for treatment. Both victims died shortly after being admitted to hospital.
The injured have been identified as 25-year-old Sujata Pokhrel of Lalbandi Municipality-9, Sarlahi; 42-year-old Sharmila Shrestha of Banepa Municipality-10, Kavre; and 60-year-old Gyanu Shrestha of Melung Rural Municipality-6, Dolakha.
District Traffic Police Office chief Inspector Binod Dhakal said the bus, registration Ba Pra 08-001 Kha 0052, had arrived from Kathmandu carrying pilgrims to Duppeshwar Dham. It was parked by the roadside at Thanabhanjyang when it suddenly began moving.
The driver and passengers had left the bus to have snacks when it rolled forward, hit an EV van parked ahead (Ba Pra 03-001 Ja 1176), and both vehicles fell about 50 metres down the roadside, police said.
Police have taken the bus driver, Sitaram Acharya of Panchkhal Municipality-7, Kavre, into custody for further investigation and legal action.
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