Search for missing bus & passengers in Trishuli River enters 12th day

KATHMANDU: A joint search operation, including Nepali security personnel and India’s National Disaster Response Force, continues for the 12th consecutive day today in Trishuli River, following the disappearance of two buses and their passengers from Simlatal along the Narayangadh-Mugling road section in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29.

The search was initiated after concerns arose regarding suspicious items seen while exploring areas ranging from Simlatal.

According to District Chief Officer Indradev Yadav, radar detected suspicious objects, prompting a renewed search this morning.

The Indian team struggled due to murky waters in the flow water, complicating efforts amidst challenging conditions, and they suspect the presence of hazardous materials at the same location.

Of the 25 bodies previously discovered, one body remains unidentified, highlighting its external origins.

Following the identification of a female body in the Palpa River, the count of discovered bodies has risen to 24, with six yet to be identified.

Under the chairmanship of the Chief District Officer of Chitwan, a joint meeting between the District Security Committee and the Indian technical team was convened on Saturday.

Starting Sunday morning, the joint team, equipped with sonar cameras, expanded its search to cover areas from Simlatal to Devghat and Kavreghat.

Among the bodies recovered, 16 are male and two are female.

Of the identified bodies, 13 are Nepali citizens, while five are Indian nationals.