PM Modi Announces Aid for nepal bus crash Victims

On Saturday, prime minister Narendra Modi declared that an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased victim from Friday’s bus accident in Nepal. The accident, which occurred in the Tanahun district, resulted in the deaths of at least 27 indian pilgrims who were traveling through Nepal. The bus veered off the highway and plunged into the Marsyangdi River.

According to the Prime Minister’s office, the ex-gratia payment will come from the PMNRF, with ₹50,000 being given to those injured in the incident. The PM’s office shared this information on X.

**Distressing Scene**

An eyewitness, tourism entrepreneur arjun Khanal, described the scene as deeply distressing. He arrived at the crash site within minutes and witnessed the bus, which had fallen about 150 meters into the river, with passengers desperately screaming for help. “People were crying out for help, but it was extremely difficult to get them up to the road,” Khanal said.

**Nepal Prime Minister’s Condolences**

Nepal’s prime minister KP Sharma Oli also expressed his condolences. He said on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident in Abu Khaireni, Tanahun, which resulted in the deaths of 27 indian citizens. My heartfelt tributes to the victims and condolences to their families, including prime minister Narendra Modi.”

**Ongoing Efforts**

All 41 passengers and two crew members were indian, traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Rescuers managed to recover several people from the swollen Marsyangdi River. PM Modi expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to the accident in Tanahun district, Nepal. Condolences to the bereaved families. The indian Embassy is providing all possible assistance.”

**Post-Mortem and Transportation**

Post-mortem examinations of the deceased are being conducted at Bharatpur Hospital in the Chitwan district before the bodies are transported to Maharashtra. An indian Air Force plane will transport the bodies to Nashik. To assist with this, minister of State for youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, was sent to Kathmandu to manage the repatriation of the remains and provide support to the injured.

Due to logistical challenges, the maharashtra government has requested the indian Air Force to arrange a special flight from Gorakhpur to Nashik. The state government will cover the costs of this operation.
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Balasahana Suresh

24/08/2024 03:05 PM