Ill-fated bus swept away

TANAHU, July 7: Police have intensified search for the missing passengers of the bus that fell into the Trishuli river Tuesday morning. Strong water current in the river has swept away the bus which was tied to a tree after the initial rescue work, said police officials at the Beni Police Post. [break]



According to Assistant Inspector Chandra Silwal, the police have been searching for the missing passengers since Wednesday morning while police posts along the highway have been alerted to carry out search operations in their respective areas. Rise in the water level coupled with strong current has added to the difficulties in the search operation.



A Lalima Transport bus which was coming from Katari to Kathmandu fell into the Trishuli river approximately around 4 am on Tuesday. One passenger lost his life while 36 others have been injured in the accident.



Though the driver of the bus, who was rescued by the police, told there were 42 passengers traveling in the ill-fated bus from Itahari, the police have been able to rescue and identify only 37 passengers. The police said relatives of seven passengers contacted them saying their people have out of contact since the accident took place.



According to Inspector Prem Sagar KC of the District Police Office, Dhading, the search for the missing bus and passengers is being carried out by area police office Gajuri, Jogimara Police Post, and Beni Ghat Police Post along with the locals.



The water has swept away the bus which was tied by the police in the process of rescue and is yet to be found, Had the police and locals not come to the rescue on time, there could have been more causality, said KC.

Related story

Father, son missing after being swept away by river