The death toll from a bus accident involving a wedding party in Baitadi district has risen to 13 after five people succumbed to injuries.

The bus was returning to Sunkuda in Bajhang after bringing the bride from ward 7 of Purchaudi Municipality when it crashed at Badgaun.

The bus plunged about 200 metres down the road.

Police said eight people died at the scene. The victims included 40-year-old Keshavraj Joshi, 13-year-old Ashok Joshi, 35-year-old Basanta Joshi, 41-year-old Bishnudatta Joshi and 42-year-old Nareshraj Joshi, all from ward 7 of Bitthadchir Rural Municipality in Bajhang.

Others killed at the site were 60-year-old Mohandev Bhatta of Kedarsyu Rural Municipality, 40-year-old Basantaraj Ratala of ward 7 of Jayaprithvi Municipality, and 40-year-old Pushpa Awasthi of Purchaudi Municipality, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Baldev Badu, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Baitadi.

Police said 45 people were rescued. Of them, 40, including 13 women and 27 men, were taken to Dadeldhura Hospital for further treatment, while five were taken to Kotila Health Post in Purchaudi.

Five more victims died during treatment at Dadeldhura Hospital. They were identified as 17-year-old Bishandatta Joshi, around 28-year-old Deeprakaj Joshi, around 45-year-old Kisandatta Joshi of Bitthadchir Rural Municipality-7, 27-year-old Keshavraj Bhatta of Kedarsyu Rural Municipality-7, and 15-year-old Sushil Joshi of Purchaudi Municipality-7, police said.

The groom and bride were travelling in a separate jeep and are safe, police said.

Rescue workers from the Armed Police Force said the accident likely occurred after a pressure pipe burst while the heavily loaded bus was climbing uphill.

Residents, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force carried out the rescue operation. Authorities said the toll could rise as several injured remain in critical condition.