Union Minister Visits Nepal to Oversee Rescue and Repatriation After Tragic Bus Accident

Union Minister Raksha Khadse arrived in Nepal to manage the return of Indian victims and survivors of a fatal bus accident in Tanahun. With the aid of local authorities and the Indian Embassy, efforts are ongoing to repatriate the deceased and ensure medical treatment for the survivors.

Union Minister Raksha Khadse arrived in Nepal on Saturday to supervise the return of victims and survivors of the tragic bus accident in the Tanahun district. According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, 27 Indian nationals lost their lives when their bus veered off the highway and plunged into the Marsyangdi River on August 23.

Sixteen injured passengers have been airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment at TU Teaching Hospital. 'Our Embassy is providing all possible assistance. The injured are being treated at the hospital,' said MEA spokesperson Jaiswal on social media platform X.

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Khadse visited the hospital accompanied by Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. At the Tribhuvan International Airport, Khadse discussed the ongoing rescue operations with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Nepal's Joint Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Brighu Dhungana.

The Indian Embassy has established emergency helpline numbers for affected families and is in constant communication with local authorities. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde discussed repatriation logistics with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured full central government cooperation. A special Indian Air Force aircraft will bring the bodies of 24 tourists to Nashik for their families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and assured that the Indian Embassy is providing all necessary assistance. Autopsies began early Saturday and are expected to be completed by noon, after which the bodies will be transported by road to Bhairahawa and then flown to Nashik.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan confirmed that most victims were from Jalgaon district. (ANI)