KATHMANDU: A bus accident in Nepal has dampened a Hindu festival in the southern part of the country on Sunday after a buss fell off the road and crashed into the Triveni River. Some 35 pilgrims were killed, most of whom were Indians from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The pilgrims were en route to a temple in the Nawalparasi district around 150 kilometers west of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, where their overcrowded bus could not make a turn and tumbled into the river. Most of the passengers were to participate in the Bolbam festival in Tribenighat. The bodies of 25 men, 10 women and a child is said to have recovered from the accident site. The identities of the deceased are not yet known. According to survivors, there were at least 75 people on board, a dramatic number more than is legally permitted. Local reports in the country said police had cordoned off the entire area by Sunday afternoon. The rescue operation is being carried out by the Nepali police and the army.
