A devastating road accident in Baitadi District in western Nepal has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and injured 34 others after a bus carrying wedding guests plunged off a steep mountain road, police confirmed.
The bus was returning to Sunkuda in Bajhang from Bhawani in Purchaudi Municipality-7 following a wedding ceremony when it veered off a bend near Badgaun and fell about 200 meters (650 feet) down the hillside on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 5.
Rescue workers, including local residents, police, and the Armed Police Force, rushed to the scene to assist. The injured were taken to Dadeldhura Hospital, Kotila Health Post, and other nearby medical facilities for treatment. Some of the injured remain in critical condition, officials said.
Eight people died at the crash site, while five more later succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Among the victims were men, women, and teenagers.
The bride and groom were not on the bus at the time; they were traveling in a separate vehicle and were reported to be safe.
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the heavily loaded bus may have lost control on the narrow, treacherous road — a common hazard in Nepal’s mountainous terrain.
In response to the tragedy, the Sudurpashchim Province government announced relief measures, including financial support and free treatment for the injured at government hospitals.