RAUTAHAT: Two persons have lost their lives in a bus-truck collision in Chandrapur Municipality-1 of Rautahat district along the East-West Highway.

The incident occurred at around 6:00 Tuesday evening when the bus (Na 3 Kha 1665) ferrying 'Bol-Bam' pilgrims from Nunthar Mahadevsthan in Paurai collided with a goods-laden truck (Na 5 Kha 5838) going eastward at Bagmati of Chandrapur-1.

The deceased have been identified as bus driver Sanu Kanchha BK of Sindhureghari in Chandrapur-9 and passenger Pachu Sah (45) of Maulapur Municipality-4, Rautahat, according to the District Police Office.

Critically injured BK and Sah, after the accident, had been rushed to Birgunj for treatment. However, they succumbed to their injuries late at night, said Superintendent of Police Kedar Dhakal.

As many as 17 passengers sustained minor injuries in the accident. Police informed that the injured are receiving treatment at various health facilities in Chandrapur Municipality. Majority of them have already returned home. However, the truck driver has been sent to Kathmandu for further treatment.