A passenger bus veered off a mountain road and crashed into a valley in central Nepal, killing at least seven Indian pilgrims and injuring nine others, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred as the pilgrims were returning from visiting the famous Manakamana Temple. The Manakamana Temple is a popular Hindu shrine where devotees believe the goddess will grant wishes to those who visit the temple.Authorities said seven Indians were among the injured and had been taken to hospital for treatment. The remaining two were a Nepalese bus driver and his assistant, according to the Associated Press. The accident occurred on the road connecting the highway and temple near the village of Shahid Lakhan, about 120 kilometers west of Kathmandu.Police said the bus was traveling downhill and skidded while turning. It fell nearly 150 meters from the mountainside and finally fell into a ravine.Local residents and police rushed to the scene and rescued the injured passengers from the wreckage and sent them to nearby hospitals by ambulance for treatment.Authorities said an autopsy will be conducted on the deceased’s body before it is handed over to his family.Bus accidents are relatively common in Nepal due to poorly maintained vehicles and rugged terrain. Much of the Himalayan country is mountainous, connected by narrow, winding roads.
