Bus carrying Indian pilgrims falls off a mountain road in Nepal, killing 7
All seven people killed were Indian pilgrims, and seven other Indian pilgrims on the ship were also injured and taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The other two people injured in the accident that occurred on Saturday night were the Nepali bus driver and his assistant.
The bus was returning after pilgrims had visited the revered Manakamana Temple, a popular Hindu temple where devotees believe a goddess will grant their wishes if they visit the temple.
The accident occurred on the road leading to the temple from the highway near Shahid Lakhan village, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of the capital Kathmandu.
While traveling downhill, the bus skidded around a bend and rolled down the mountainside for approximately 150 meters (500 feet) before landing in a valley.
Police and villagers reached the wreckage, removed the injured, and helped them to be treated by transporting them to hospitals in the region by ambulance.
Police said an autopsy will be performed on the bodies of the deceased before they are handed over to family members.
Bus accidents are common in Nepal, mostly due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles. Most of the Himalayan country is covered by mountains and is connected only by narrow roads.
