BHAIRAHAWA: At least 17 persons have lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries, some of them critically, in a deadly bus accident at Kalakhola in Arghakhanchi district, on Wednesday.

Police are yet to ascertain the identities of the victims.

The bus (Lu 2 Kha 2148) heading to Butwal from Sandhikharka, district headquarters of Argkhanchi, fell below the steep road along treacherous Gorusinghe--Sandhikharka road stretch, killing at least 17 persons and injuring others this afternoon.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Prakash Bista, security personnel are having difficulty in rescuing the injured as the accident occurred at a difficult place.

"All security agencies, along with the locals, have been carrying out the rescue operations," DSP Bista added.

After being rescued, the injured persons were rushed to nearby health facilities in Sandhikharka, Thada and Narpani for primary treatment in the district.

However, those seriously injured were referred to Butwal-based Provincial Hospital and Universal College of Medical Sciences in Bhairahawa for further treatment, DSP Bista shared.

Meanwhile, an investigation into the case is underway, police said.