Five Dead in Nepal Bus Accident, Many Missing

VOA News
September 6, 2010 at 8:35 am

Police in Nepal say at least five people are dead and nearly two dozen others are missing after a bus plunged into a river in the northeastern part of the country.

Authorities say the bus ran off the highway and plunged into the Bhotekoshi River early Monday. The bus was traveling to the town of Barabise from Tatopani.

Police say five bodies have been recovered from the river, but at least 23 other passengers are unaccounted for.

Local media reports say rescue operations are being hampered by the level of the river, but rescuers were able to help at least two survivors to safety.

Road accidents are common in mountainous Nepal because of poor road conditions and badly maintained and overcrowded buses.

Some information in this story was provided by AFP.