Dhaka Kumari Lamichhane (73), Parbati Lamichhane (60), and Kalawati Rizak (72) of Shankarpokhari-7; and Krishna Pariyar (18) of Shivalaya-1, died when the mini-bus (Dha 1 Kha 275) veered off the road and plunged down some 40 meters below on the bank of Kaligandaki river. [break]
The three elderly died on the spot, while the youth -- Pariyar-- breathed his last at Dhaulagiri Zonal Hospital, Baglung, according to Parbat Police. Police and passengers said the bus was driven at breakneck speed.
“The accident occurred due to over-speeding, not due to the condition of the road. The road was straight and smooth,” complained Achyut Raj Sharma, a passenger, who sustained injuries. He is being treated at Baglung Hospital.
“The driver must have driven the bus at high speed taking advantage of the straight road without any bends and curls,” said Deepak KC, inspector, District Police Office, Parbat.
Most passengers who boarded the bus from Kushmabajar belonged to Shankarpokhari. Eight of the injured are undergoing treatment at Dhaulagiri Zonal Hospital, Baglung, while 18 others have been rushed to Pokhara for further treatment.
Two die in road accidents
Meantime, a 10-year girl was killed when a speeding motorcycle hit her at Therkachuri in Dhanusha district on Saturday. In yet another incident that took place at Narayanghat on Saturday, a motorcyclist lost his life after being hit by a tipper.
Prem Kumari Mandal, 10, of Katarait-8 died on the spot when a motorcycle (Ja 3 Pa) hit her. However, the identity of the motorcyclist killed by the tipper (Na 3 Kha 6309) at New Road of Narayangadh could not be ascertained.
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