Kathmandu, Nepal (BBN)- At least 30 people were killed and 13 injured when a bus fell off the road in the country’s western Doti district early Saturday, police said.
The incident took place at around 3:00 am (local time) along the Doti-Chhatiwan section of the Bhimdatta Highway. The bus was headed for Dhangadhi from Jayagadhm, Achham, local police officials confirmed.
Rescuers from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal army have reached the scene, according to the officials.
The injured have been rushed to Padma Hospital Attariya, said Police Inspector Rabindra Prasad Bhatta.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by severe cold, a police official said, adding that the death toll could rise further.
Accidents are relatively common on Nepal's highways because of poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving, and death tolls running into double figures are frequent.
BBN/SSR/AD-12Jan13-12:50 pm (BST)
