National
Surkhet bus plunge toll reaches 18
As the police confirmed six more deaths on Monday, the toll from Sunday’s bus plunge in Surkhet has reached 18. Fourteen people died on the spot while four others succumbed to injuriesMotilal Poudel
The bus (Na 4 Kha 6857) veered off the road and fell 500 metres at Pokharikanda-9 on the Karnali Highway in Surkhet on Sunday evening. The vehicle was on its way to Tikapur, Kailali, from Kalikot.
Police have identified the bodies of 15 victims so far. Sixteen of the deceased are from Gotri VDC in Bajura district.
Seriously injured 11 were referred to Nepalgunj while 34 others are receiving care at various hospitals in Surkhet.
Survivors said the vehicle had the accident soon after the driver was changed.
“The first driver was driving well. The bus skidded soon after another man sat on the driving seat at Syaule, Dailekh,” said Uma Kanta Neupane, an injured. He said driver Min Bahadur Budha and his assistant Pabi Khatri were killed.
The vehicle was carrying passengers twice its capacity.