On Thursday, a tragic accident in Nepal resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals who were returning home to celebrate Chhath Puja. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 am in the Makawanpur district, located in Bagmati province. According to police reports, a microbus carrying around seventeen passengers veered off a hilly road, plunging approximately 300 metres down a steep slope.

The microbus was en route from Kathmandu to Sarlahi when it met with the accident. An information officer from the Makwanpur District Police Office confirmed that the vehicle was transporting residents of Sarlahi district, who were travelling to partake in the Hindu festival, which is set to take place on Sunday this year.

The accident site is situated on the Bhimfedi-Kulekhani-Kathmandu road within the Bhimfedi Rural Municipality. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the vehicle lost control on the winding road, leading to the fatal plunge.

Casualties and Injuries

In the aftermath of the accident, eleven people, including the driver, were confirmed dead at the scene. The deceased were reportedly all residents of Sarlahi district, highlighting the community’s loss as families prepare for the upcoming festival. The six injured passengers were promptly transported to a local hospital in Hetauda Municipality for medical treatment.

The local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that the microbus may have encountered adverse road conditions, which could have contributed to the vehicle’s loss of control. Further details regarding the condition of the injured passengers have yet to be released.

The incident has sparked discussions about road safety in the region, particularly concerning the hilly terrains that are often treacherous for vehicles. Local officials have urged for improved safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Chhath Puja Celebrations

Chhath Puja is a significant festival celebrated primarily by the Hindu community in the Terai region of Nepal. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and involves various rituals performed over a four-day period. Families often travel long distances to return home for the celebrations, making this time of year particularly busy on the roads.

This year, the festival falls on Sunday, and many families had planned to gather for the occasion, making the loss of life in this accident particularly poignant. Community leaders have expressed their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, emphasising the need for collective support during this difficult time.

As the community mourns the loss of its members, local authorities are also focusing on ensuring the safety of those travelling for the festival. Efforts are underway to monitor road conditions and provide assistance to travellers during this peak season.

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