Three people have died, and three are still missing after a motorboat accident on the Saptakoshi River near Triveni in eastern Nepal.
The accident occurred while the boat was traveling from Kopche in Bhojpur district to Chatara in Sunsari, according to the District Police Office.
The boat, operated by OBM Company, had 15 passengers on board. Police reported that the boat broke down, but it’s unclear if the issue was with the brakes or the engine.
12 Rescued After Accident
Twelve people, including the boat’s driver, were rescued by the Barahakshetra police post and taken to Chatara Hospital.
Three passengers lost their lives: 52 year old Lila Rai from Barahakshetra Municipality 1, a seven year old, and another individual aged between 40 and 55. Their identities have not yet been confirmed.
One injured passenger, 31 year old Mohan Sunar from Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality 4, is currently receiving treatment at Chatara Hospital and is reported to be stable, according to Dhankuta police chief Narayan Ranjitkar.
The other passengers have reportedly returned home.
Three Passengers Still Missing
Shivak Magar, seven year old Nita Magar from Kankai Municipality 4, 21 year-old Pramila Magar, and 22 year old Manu Rai from Barahakshetra Municipality 1 are still unaccounted for.
The police are actively searching for the missing individuals, with assistance from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.
Authorities are gathering more information about the incident.
Driver Arrested
The boat’s driver, 24 year old Suman Magar from Barahakshetra Municipality 1, has been arrested as part of the investigation.
Conflicting reports about the cause of the boat’s breakdown are being examined.
Highlighting Safety Issues
This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding passenger boats on the Saptakoshi River. Strong currents can complicate rescue operations.
Authorities must determine whether the boat adhered to safety regulations and assess how the breakdown contributed to the accident.
The investigation is ongoing, and rescuers are still searching for the missing passengers.
The situation may evolve based on findings from the search teams. Some media outlets have reported varying numbers of missing passengers, so it’s essential to verify the latest figures before publishing this article.