Indian State Minister briefed about Tanahun bus accident

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 25: On Saturday, Ministry of Home Affairs briefed Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Indian Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, about the bus accident that claimed the lives of 27 Indian citizens.

This morning, at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Darbar, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak updated Minister Khadse on the damage, rescue operations, and treatment of the injured following the passenger bus accident in Ambu Khaireni Rural Municipality-4, Tanahun, on Friday.

At a brief programme held at the ministry, Home Minister Lekhak described the incident as tragic and extended his condolences to the victims' families while wishing for the swift recovery of the injured.

The accident occurred when an Indian passenger bus, number UP 53 FT 7623, traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, plunged 200 meters into the Masryangdi River. The crash resulted in 27 fatalities and 16 injuries.

Both Home Minister Lekhak and Minister Khadse visited the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to check on the injured. “We will leave no stone unturned in treating the injured,” Minister Lekhak said, adding that security agencies and local administration were promptly mobilized for the rescue efforts.

Minister Khadse expressed her gratitude for the Nepal government's efficient handling of the rescue and treatment operations. She also praised the doctors for their prompt and effective care. "Some of my relatives also perished in the accident," said Khadse. "I extend my thanks to all the security personnel and health workers involved in the rescue efforts,” she added.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, three of the injured are in the ICU, while the others are in the general ward, and their conditions are improving. The injured were airlifted to Kathmandu by a Nepali Army helicopter. The bus had 43 passengers on board.

Postmortems of the deceased are being conducted at Bharatpur Hospital in Chitwan. After meeting with Home Minister Lekhak, Minister Khadse was scheduled to visit Bharatpur Hospital.