Seven pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were killed after a bus carrying devotees returning from the Manakamana Temple in Nepal plunged into a deep gorge. Authorities said the bodies will be brought back to Tamil Nadu while the injured are receiving treatment.
Seven Tamil pilgrims killed in Nepal bus accident
Kathmandu: Seven pilgrims from Tamil Nadu died in a tragic road accident in Nepal when a mini-bus carrying devotees returning from a temple visit plunged into a deep gorge. Local authorities confirmed that the accident occurred while the group was travelling back after offering prayers at the Manakamana Temple.
Officials said the bus lost control on a narrow road and fell around 150 metres into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of seven passengers at the spot.
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The victims were part of a group of 24 pilgrims from different parts of Tamil Nadu, including Pollachi and Devakottai, who had set out on a 13-day spiritual tour earlier this month.
The group had travelled to several religious destinations, including Prayagraj (Allahabad) and Ayodhya, before heading to Nepal to visit the famous hilltop temple.
Due to heavy crowds at the ropeway facility leading to the shrine, the pilgrims chose to travel by mini-bus and split into two groups. One bus carried 14 passengers, while the other had 10 travellers.
According to the Nepal Police, nine people were rescued with serious injuries and have been admitted to the Chitwan Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Among the injured are seven Tamil pilgrims, along with the bus driver and his assistant, who are Nepali nationals. Authorities suspect that poor road conditions and possible mechanical issues with the vehicle may have contributed to the accident. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.
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Officials said the bodies of the deceased will undergo post-mortem examinations before being handed over to relatives. Following appeals from fellow travellers, the Government of Tamil Nadu stepped in to assist with the repatriation process. The bodies have been moved to Kathmandu and arrangements are being made to airlift them to Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.
Authorities in both countries are coordinating efforts to ensure the injured receive medical care and the victims’ families receive necessary assistance.
