The injured passengers of Trishuli bus plunge have been stranded due to lack of promptness in rescue operation.

An ambulance which had reached the incident site returned without carrying the injured passengers, citing lack of space. Two injured passengers were left in lurch.

Of the injured, family members of Dhruba Domase called a chopper at their own expense to airlift him to Kathmandu while Nisha Thapa has also been airlifted in the same helicopter.

It has been learnt that both of them have been taken to the Dhapasi-based Grande International Hospital.

Before they were airlifted to Kathmandu, the duo received treatment at the Manakamana Polyclinic in Kuringhat.

Police said that one more person, who was critically injured in the incident, died due to lack of timely treatment.

Eight persons died and 24 others were injured when a passenger bus (Lu 2 Kha 291) plunged into Trishuli River in between Fisling and Chumlingtar of Chitwan district on Wednesday. There were 28 persons on board the ill-fated.

Police suspect that the incident might have occurred after the bus hit a truck coming from the wrong lane.  Police have impounded the truck and arrested its driver for investigation.

A rescue team of Armed Police Force (APF) found the bus 25 feet below the water surface. APF divers were mobilized to locate the bus.

It has been learnt that preparations are being made to pull the bus out with a crane.

Among the deceased, the identity of only one person is established. Police identified the deceased as Deepak Pandey of Godaha, Devdaha-10.

An identity card of Megha College was found from his possession.

Of the rescued persons, three have been taken to Kathmandu for treatment while 13 are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bharatpur.

Similarly, five persons have been airlifted by a helicopter and have been taken for treatment.