RAUTAHAT: Two persons died and 21 others sustained injuries after a bus carrying Indian pilgrims was hit by a truck at Paurai forest area along the East-West Highway in Chandrapur Municipality-1 of Rautahat district, Monday midnight.

The deceased have been identified as Bijay Kumar Jena (52) and Charan Bishal (54), both from the Indian state of Odisha, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nabin Karki at Rautahat District Police Office.

According to police, the bus (Na 6 Kha 9030) had stopped at Mangalpur for the passengers to freshen up when it was rammed from behind by the truck (Ko 1 Kha 2625) en route from Janakpur to Kathmandu, killing two on the spot and injuring 21.

There were 60 pilgrims travelling on the bus, which was pushed some 20 metres into the forest after the impact.

Among the injured, three pilgrims — Sarbeshwor Jena (55), Sheshadev Jena (53) and Karuna Karjuna Awasthi (63) — are in critical condition and undergoing treatment at Birjung-based Neuro Hospital, said DSP Karki.

Others injured are receiving treatment at Chandranigahapur Hospital, some of whom have been discharged post treatment.

Bodies of the deceased have been kept at a government health facility in Chandranigahapur for postmortem. Meanwhile, search is on for the truck driver who fled the scene after the incident.

According to Chief District Officer, Kiran Thapa, the injured are being provided with good health care and the Indian Consulate at Birgunj have been apprised about the incident.