DADELDHURA, Nov 24: The death toll in Thursday’s bus accident in Dadeldhura climbed to 18 on Friday with two injured passengers dying in the course of treatment on Friday. 

Preliminary investigation has shown that the bus was in a high speed, it was overloaded, the driver lacked experience and it suffered brake failure, according to DSP Dambar Bahadur KC of the District Police Office, Dadeldhura.

The bus was carrying mainly school children to Ugratara Bhagawati Fair in Doti. Apart from the students, the bus also let in the locals by charging them fare.  

“I myself was returning home paying Rs 70 to the bus owner,” said Mina Sarki, who was injured in the accident, adding, “The bus was already overcrowded. Still, they were taking in more people.” 

The accident took place when the bus skidded off the road at Duduwakhola of Dadeldhura while returning to Doti. Of the total 27 injured, 14 are said to be serious.

Police say 46 passengers were travelling on the bus. DSP KC said they are conducting a detailed investigation to identity the real cause behind the accident. 

Meanwhile, Province 7 Chief Minister Trilochan Bhatta went to Dhangadhi-based Seti Zonal Hospital to meet the injured passengers. 

Bhatta vowed to leave no stone unturned in providing treatment to the patients.

 
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• Dadeldhura
 
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• Duduwakhola