Tragic Bus Incident Investigation Overview

Sep 8, 2024

Incident Overview

  • Date: Ashar 28, 2081 B.S. (July 12, 2081)
  • Time: Approximately 3:00 AM
  • Location: Simaltal, Narayanghat-Muglin road
  • Incident: Two night buses plunged into Trishuli River
  • Passengers: 65 total; 62 missing, 3 survivors

Survivors' Accounts

Nandan Das

  • Submerged for 5-7 minutes before swimming to safety.
  • Describes a smooth ride suddenly interrupted by a landslide.

Jageshwar Yadav

  • Returned home after medical treatment, lost four family members.

Parshu Ram Shah

  • Witnessed the bus stop due to rain; moments later, it plunged into the river.

Investigation Findings

  • Initial Investigation: Not just an accident, potential orchestrated event
  • Eyewitness Account: Jiwan Sunar, driver, witnessed the landslide and buses plunging into the river.
  • Response Time: Police called at 3:30 AM; rescue operations began around 8:30 AM.

Causes of the Incident

Landslide

  • Heavy rainfall caused debris to fall onto the road.
  • Active landslide area; previous road construction aggravated the situation.
  • Accumulated debris clogged culverts, leading to the landslide that caused the buses to plunge.

Road Safety Issues

  • Frequent landslides in the region, especially during monsoon.
  • Narayanghat-Muglin road: Historically accident-prone, 97 accidents daily, 7 deaths.

Government and Agency Negligence

  • Bharatpur Metropolitan City: Approved road construction without considering environmental impact.
  • Road Division Office: Failed to maintain culverts and monitor road conditions.

Aftermath

  • Bodies found downstream, indicating strong currents and delayed rescue efforts.
  • 19 confirmed victims; uncertainty about total number due to potential unregistered passengers.

Recommendations

  • Nine actions proposed to prevent such incidents in future.
  • Urgent need for an integrated road safety information system.
  • Emphasis on the importance of thorough investigations and adherence to safety regulations.

Conclusion

  • The incident highlights systemic failures in road safety management and the urgent need for improved infrastructure and policies in Nepal to prevent future tragedies.