KATHMANDU, July 2: Rescue efforts are being hampered after a passenger minibus that plunged into the Karnali River in Dailekh became fully submerged amid rising water levels, police said.
The Force minibus (registration number Ka. Pra. 02-001 Kha 1055) was travelling from Surkhet to Kalikot when it veered off the Karnali Highway at Sangetada in Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality-7 at around 11:30 am on Thursday.
Surkhet minibus accident: Two killed, 19 injured
Dailekh Police Chief and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shrawan Kumar BK said the vehicle is completely submerged, making rescue operations difficult. One unidentified man was rescued unconscious after being found trapped on a cliff near the crash site.
Police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Army, and personnel from the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project security base are jointly carrying out search and rescue operations. A team of divers led by Karnali Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General Jayaraj Sapkota has also been dispatched from Surkhet.
Police said the minibus reportedly left Surkhet Bus Park with fourteen passengers.
The vehicle is believed to have fallen about 400 metres into the Karnali River. Authorities said the rugged terrain and difficult geography are slowing rescue efforts and the collection of further information.
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