Kathmandu, October 13

The Kathmandu Valley recorded more road fatalities during Dashain this year as compared to the previous years.

According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, as many as six persons were killed and 21 injured from October 1 (Ghatasthapana) to October 13 (Dwadashi) compared to five deaths and 72 injuries during the corresponding period of Dashain last year.

However, the number of road accidents decreased to 21 this Dashain from last year’s 99. The Valley had witnessed four deaths and 112 injuries in 109 road accidents during the same period in 2014.

Of the six persons, who were killed during this Dashain, five were either riding bike or riding pillion while one was pedestrian. A person died after the motorcycle he was riding met with an accident in Manahara of Bhaktapur last night.

The deceased has been identified as Yukesh Shrestha (23) of Kathmandu.

Similarly, Sabita Shrestha (32) of Imadole-9 of Lalitpur died after the motorcycle she was riding pillion was hit by a bus in Balkumari yesterday. Krishna Shrestha (40), the biker, and four-year-old Rishav Shrestha were injured in the accident.

One person was killed and as many injured when the motorcycle they were on collided with another bike in Maharajgunj on October 7.

The deceased has been identified as Nanda Prasad Rai (59) of Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu while 19-year-old Sagar Aier of Doti district being hurt. In yet another incident, Ratna Rai (43) of Makwanpur district died after a bus hit the motorcycle he was riding in Kalanki on October 7.

Indira Bujukchhe (49) died after a tipper hit the motorcycle she was riding in Lokanthali of Bhaktapur on October 7. Likewise, a pedestrian died after being hit by a pick-up jeep in Dallu on October 3. The deceased has been identified as Malati Devi (61) of Saptari district.

Traffic officials said speeding and reckless driving in virtually deserted roads were the main reasons behind the accidents.

The MTPD claimed that the road safety mainly depends on how the road users adhere to the traffic rules and advised all to be aware of the devastating consequences of speeding and negligence.

Meanwhile, traffic police took action against as many as 14,834 erring drivers from October 1 to 12.

Of them, motorists flouting lane discipline and driving under the influence top the traffic violation chart.