Kathmandu— A search operation involving divers, police personnel, and boats continues today in the Sunkoshi River after a car carrying three people was knocked into the river by a bus on Monday. The incident occurred along the mid-hill highway near Nawalpur in Fikkal Rural Municipality-2, with locals now obstructing traffic to demand quicker search efforts and compensation for victims' families.

Incident Details

A car parked at the roadside was hit from behind by a passenger bus heading towards Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu. The impact caused the car, registered as Ba. Pra. 08-009 Kha 0144, to plunge into the Sunkoshi River some 50 meters down the road. The bus involved in the accident is registered under the number Pradesh 3-01-024 Cha 9573 and has been taken under control by the police along with its driver.

Search Operation

The search operation, which began early this morning, involves 20 divers, 20 Nepal Police personnel, and two boats. According to Bishnu Paudel, a police inspector involved in the rescue efforts, heavy currents in the Sunkoshi River have made the search challenging. Locals are also assisting with the search operation.

Community Response

Family members of the missing individuals, along with relatives and locals, have blocked the Khurkot-Ghurmi road section demanding that the search be accelerated and compensation provided to victim families. Som Prasad Baral, ward chair of Golanjor Rural Municipality-1, informed that transportation has been obstructed as people burned tires at Bakshukhola in the border area between Golanjor and Fikkal Rural Municipality.

(With inputs from Rising Nepal)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.