The bus mishap that claimed the lives of 23 passengers and injured 30 others on Arniko Highway on Sunday is yet another tragedy in the rising curve of road accidents in the country. The ill-fated bus was on its way from Kathmandu to Jalbire of Sindhupalchowk when it skidded off the road and plunged 100 metres into a ravine at Fulpingkot VDC 6. The injured are receiving treatment at hospitals in Dhulikhel and Kathmandu. According to survivors, the tragedy occurred when the driver tried to avoid a boulder in the middle of the road. Likewise, the SSP of Bagmati Zone who is overseeing the rescue mission feels that overloading may have been the culprit. Speculations apart, only a probe can ascertain the real reason(s).

The rescue operation being pressed into action jointly by the Nepal Army, police force and Maoists, it is hoped, will help trace the missing passengers in a day or two. It should also be in order to think in terms of some form of compensation for the families of the dead and the injured. But more important is the need to bring to task the greedy bus operators who risk passengers’ lives by overloading means of public transport. It is also essential to have the credentials of drivers regularly scrutinised through surprise checks. It pays to allow only vehicles in good condition to ply on roads, especially highways. No less important is an awareness campaign on passengers’ safety along with enforcement of preventive regulations if the frequency of accidents is to be toned down.