At least five people have died and 19 others were injured after a school bus plunged 650ft down a steep slope in Nepal. The incident occurred on Friday in the city of Pokhara, where the bus reportedly lost control and fell down the hillside.
Among the dead are three girls, a boy, and a parent. The vehicle, belonging to Kalika Boarding School, was transporting students home from tuition classes when the crash happened.
Rescue operation and casualties
Emergency crews reached the scene and rescued injured pupils from the wreckage, taking them to hospital. The crash occurred near Majhathana in Pokhara Metropolitan City-28, just north of the Bijaypur Army barracks.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Dipendra GC confirmed that the casualties were taken to Gandaki Medical College and Western Regional Hospital for treatment. A police officer was reportedly injured after slipping during the rescue operation.
Series of bus incidents in Nepal
The tragedy adds to a series of bus accidents in Nepal this year. In March, seven people were killed when a bus carrying pilgrims plummeted down a mountain, with nine others injured.
In another incident, British tourist Dominic Stewart died after a bus veered off the road and plunged 160ft onto the bank of a river in Nepal, injuring 25 other passengers.
