Tragic Road Accident in Nepal Claims Seven Indian Pilgrims
Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident, seven Indian pilgrims tragically lost their lives in a micro-bus accident while returning from the Manakamana Temple in Nepal. This accident highlights the growing concerns over road safety in the region.
Key Takeaways
Seven Indian pilgrims tragically died in a micro-bus accident.
The accident occurred while they were returning from the Manakamana Temple .
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.
Road safety concerns are rising in Nepal due to increasing vehicle numbers.
Over 70% of road fatalities involve vulnerable road users.
Kathmandu, March 14 (NationPress) Tragically, seven Indian pilgrims lost their lives in a micro-bus incident in Nepal's Gorkha district on Saturday evening. They were returning from a visit to the Manakamana Temple, as confirmed by authorities.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kumar Shrestha from the District Police Office in Gorkha reported to IANS that the micro-bus veered off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Kantar region of Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality.
“Seven pilgrims have sustained injuries and have been taken to Chitwan Medical College in Bharatpur, Chitwan district, for medical attention,” Shrestha stated. The police also mentioned that rescue efforts are ongoing.
According to local officials, the micro-bus was transporting over a dozen passengers.
“The microbus was en route to the Anbukhaireni area of Tanahun district, situated west of the Manakamana Temple. However, it remains unclear where the passengers intended to go after their temple visit,” explained Tulasi Bahadur Shrestha, Chief District Officer of Gorkha, during an interview with IANS.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident, although the electric microbus carrying the Indian pilgrims encountered difficulties on a steep section of the roadway.
In a similar tragic incident in August 2024, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims crashed in the Anbukhaireni area, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 individuals.
Nepal has seen an uptick in road accidents in recent years, coinciding with a surge in vehicle numbers on its roads.
A decade ago, the Nepal Traffic Police reported 4,999 road accidents. Comparatively, the fiscal year 2024-25 recorded 7,669 accidents, resulting in 190 fatalities, according to official statistics.
Among these incidents, 278 were categorized as serious. Beyond the human cost, road safety issues also pose significant economic challenges.
A study by the World Bank in Nepal revealed that the economic burden of road traffic injuries has tripled since 2007, now accounting for 1.5 percent of the nation’s gross national product.
Furthermore, road accidents disproportionately affect the less fortunate, with over 70 percent of road fatalities in Nepal involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, as noted by the World Bank.
Point of View
It is crucial to address this tragic event with sensitivity and depth. The loss of seven lives in a road accident underscores the pressing need for improved road safety measures in Nepal, especially for travelers. We must prioritize the safety of all road users to prevent further tragedies.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the micro-bus accident in Nepal?
The exact cause of the micro-bus accident remains unknown, but it occurred on a steep section of the road.
How many passengers were on board the micro-bus?
The micro-bus was carrying more than a dozen passengers at the time of the accident.
What measures are being taken for the injured?
The injured pilgrims have been transported to Chitwan Medical College for treatment.
Has this incident raised concerns about road safety in Nepal?
Yes, this incident highlights the increasing road safety issues in Nepal, where road accidents have been on the rise.
What was the previous accident involving Indian pilgrims in Nepal?
In August 2024, another bus carrying Indian pilgrims crashed in the Anbukhaireni area, resulting in at least 27 fatalities.
