Tragic Bus Accident in Nepal Claims Lives of Indian Pilgrims
Fatal Incident in Gorkha District
A devastating incident occurred in Nepal's Gorkha district on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of seven Indian pilgrims who were returning from the revered Manakamana Temple. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kumar Shrestha from the District Police Office in Gorkha reported that the microbus they were traveling in veered off the road and fell into a gorge in the Kantar area of Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality. Additionally, seven other pilgrims sustained injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical care. DSP Shrestha confirmed, “Seven injured pilgrims have been sent to Chitwan Medical College in Bharatpur for treatment.” Rescue operations are ongoing, as the microbus was reportedly carrying over a dozen passengers.
Investigation into the Accident
The tragic event took place on a route leading from the highway to the temple near Shahid Lakhan village, situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Kathmandu. The vehicle was descending when it lost control on a curve, rolling down the mountainside for about 150 meters (500 feet) before landing in a ravine. Chief District Officer of Gorkha, Tulasi Bahadur Shrestha, noted that while the microbus was en route to the Anbukhaireni area of Tanahun district, the exact destination of the passengers after their temple visit remains unclear. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident, although it occurred on a steep section of the road.
Nepal has seen a troubling increase in road accidents in recent years. Data from the Nepal Traffic Police indicates that a decade ago, there were 4,999 reported road accidents. In the fiscal year 2024–25, this number surged to 7,669 accidents, resulting in 190 fatalities. Among these incidents, 278 were categorized as serious. Beyond the tragic loss of life, road safety issues also carry significant economic repercussions. A World Bank study highlighted that the economic burden of road traffic injuries in Nepal has tripled since 2007, now accounting for 1.5 percent of the nation’s gross national product.
(With agency inputs)