14 injured in truck-bus collision

By Anil Parajuli, Hetauda, Feb.27: Fourteen people have sustained injuries in a road accident that occurred on Thursday night on the East–West Highway at Rajiya, Manahari Rural Municipality–9 in Makwanpur District.

 According to the District Police Office Makwanpur, two people were moderately injured while 12 sustained minor injuries.

The accident occurred when a rice-loaded truck (Ba. Pra. 06-001 Kha 0415) traveling from Birgunj to Chitwan collided with a passenger bus (Pra. 1-01-001 Kha 4768) traveling from Kathmandu to Jhapa.

Those injured in the accident include bus driver 35-year-old Khagendra Kafle of Naharchok, Shivasatakshi Municipality-11, Jhapa; bus co-driver 45-year-old Dharke Dhimal of Sangamchok, Harichamar Municipality-4, Morang; 79-year-old Foudabahadur Magar of Magartol, Chaurideurali Rural Municipality-2, Kavre; 21-year-old Kiuma Bista of Aathrai Municipality-4, Terhathum; and 42-year-old Nilam Khadka of Bhandari Tol, Kanepokhari Rural Municipality-1, Morang.

Similarly, other passengers injured in the accident include 60-year-old Nitirman Gautam of Pathibhara Chowk, Mechinagar Municipality-12, Jhapa; 23-year-old Shaligram Khadka of Majhitol, Duhabi Municipality-3, Sunsari; 50-year-old Rajpukar Shah of Basantpatti, Barahathwa Municipality-6, Rautahat; 61-year-old Devi Bista from the same place; 66-year-old Tuksan Subba of Devibasti, Birtamod Municipality-5, Jhapa; 63-year-old Rama Thapa from the same place; 17-year-old Magic Yonghang of Dandagau, Buddhashanti Municipality-3, Jhapa; 48-year-old Bindu Gautam of Naya Basti, Buddhashanti Municipality-4; and 42-year-old Mamma Chhetri from Sikkim, India.

Police reported that the injured sustained injuries to different parts of their bodies, including the legs, nose, ears, neck, eyes, head, and forehead. 

A police team deployed from the Area Police Office Manahari rescued the injured and sent them to Hetauda for treatment, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushkar Bogati of the District Police Office Makwanpur.

He said the injured are currently receiving treatment at CMC Churehill Hospital.

Police stated that the truck involved in the accident had been moved to the roadside. 

The truck driver, 23-year-old Samudraprasad Paudel of Vanskhadi, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-2, is currently in the custody of the Area Police Office Manahari.