Kimathanka, March 10: Among those confirmed dead so far in a bus accident that took place this morning at Madi municipality-6 in Sankhuwasabha district, 10 have been identified. Similarly, the identities of five injured have been ascertained, according to police.    

The deceased identified so far are driver Bipin Niraula, 30, of Aunshidanda, Tehrathum; assistant driver Umesh Bhattarai, 35, of Madi-4 and Deepak Dahal, 45, Shyam Sherpa, 52, and Bhawani Dahal, 55 of Madi-5.    

Similarly, Indra Bahadur Adhikari, 38, Aait Bahadur Tamang, 38 and Sabita Raut Karki, 35 of Madi-6 lost their lives to the fatal accident. More Diksha Katuwal of Madi-5 and Anjana Katuwal of Madi-6 were also killed in the accident, according to the Chief of the District Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police ( DSP) Laldhwoj Subedi.   

The bus fell around 300 meters off the road near Saatghumti of Madi-6 at 7:30 am today as it was en route to Damak of Jhapa from Okharbote of Madi. According to a preliminary investigation of the police, the accident might have taken place due to speeding.   

 As police said, five were rescued alive from the accident site and the extrication was by air. A helicopter of the Nepali Army was used to rescue Suwash Gole and Yuwa Pokhrel of Madi-5 and Tulasa Katuwal, Ambika BK and Dambar Bahadur Karki of Madi-6. Until the filing of this report, preparations were underway to send them to Kathmandu.