At least 20 killed, several missing in Nepal bus accident (Roundup)

Sep 10, 2009, 14:06 GMT

   Kathmandu - At least 20 people were confirmed killed and dozens more were injured or missing Thursday after an overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a river in central Nepal, officials said.

   The accident happened in Sindhupalchowk district, 70 kilometres north-east of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.

   The bus fell about 40 metres off a mountain highway and plunged into the fast-flowing Sunkoshi River, said Bhanubhakta Pokharel, the chief district officer.

   By Thursday evening, rescuers had recovered 20 bodies, including that of the driver, but were searching for dozens of others who remain missing.

   Nepalese police said all the bodies were recovered several kilometers downriver.

   The bus, on its way to Kathmandu, was reportedly carrying as many as 50 people when the accident happened.

   Survivors told police that passengers were travelling on the roof as there was no room for them inside the bus.

   Four people survived the crash after they were thrown out of the vehicle as it hurtled down the hill, police and government officials said.

   Police said rescue operations were facing difficulties because to heavy monsoon rains in the area caused the river to swell.

   Chances of finding more survivors were very slim, the police said.

   The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. But police suspect the crowded bus could have been speeding on a narrow and dangerous mountain highway and the driver may have lost control.

   Nepal has a notorious record on road safety. Hundreds of people are killed each year in bus accidents blamed mostly on careless driving and overcrowding.