MALANGAWA, JANUARY 30

A passenger bus collided with a motorcycle on the East-West Highway in Ishwarpur Municipality-12 of Sarlahi, killing one and injuring 13 others, on Saturday night.

The deceased has been identified as pillion rider Bhakta Bahadur Khadka (27) of Gharibathan in Ishwarpur-12, while motorcycle rider Arun Khadka (26) of the same location was critically injured.

The incident occurred when the bus (Na 7 Kha 753), en route to Kathmandu from Bariyarpatti of Siraha collided head-on with the motorcycle (Na 29 Pa 4498) at Banke last night. The bus overturned on the left side of the roadway as a result of the event.

According to Sarlahi Police Spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Budhathoki, the accident wounded 12 of the bus's 40 passengers.

Critically injured motorcycle rider Khadka received preliminary treatment at Gadhimai Hospital in Lalbandi before being to Birgunj-based National Medical College for further treatment, police said.

Seven people have been discharged and returned to their homes following treatment at Lalbandi Model Hospital, while the remaining four injured are still being treated at the same facility.

One person has been recommended to Siraha, informed police.

Accidents on the highway have increased as a result of the dense fog.