On Saturday, Nepali rescue teams discovered the first body among approximately 50 individuals missing following a landslide caused by monsoon rains. The landslide, which occurred on Friday in central Chitwan district, swept two buses off a highway and into a river. The impact of the landslide propelled the buses over concrete barriers and down a steep embankment, approximately 30 meters (100 feet) from the road.
Police spokesman Kumar Neupane informed AFP that one body was located about 55 kilometers (35 miles) from the accident site. District official Khimananda Bhusal told AFP that around 50 people were still unaccounted for, reducing the number of missing persons from the 63 reported by authorities on Friday. "It is difficult to confirm the exact number as we are unsure if the buses picked up or dropped off passengers en route," he explained.
Rescuers, including rafts, sensor equipment, and dive teams, spent hours searching the turbulent Trishuli river for any signs of the passengers or the buses. Teams also ventured downstream on Saturday in hopes of finding the missing individuals. The intense currents, exacerbated by this week's heavy rainfall, have so far impeded their efforts.
Chitwan district chief Indra Dev Yadav stated that all local authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant for any signs of the missing. "The river is narrow and very deep here," he told AFP. "The water level, speed, and turbidity are all high." The accident took place before dawn on Friday along the Narayanghat-Mugling highway, approximately 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu.
