At Least 7 Dead After Bus on Religious Pilgrimage Crashes

A religious pilgrimage in Nepal ended in tragedy when a passenger bus lost control on a steep mountain road and plunged into a ravine, leaving at least seven people dead and several others injured.

The devastating crash happened Saturday, March 14, in Nepal’s rugged Gorkha District, about 75 miles west of the capital city of Kathmandu. Authorities say the vehicle was carrying a group of pilgrims who had just finished visiting one of the country’s most famous religious sites when disaster struck.

Local officials confirmed that the bus veered off a winding mountain road and tumbled roughly 500 feet down a steep hillside near Shahid Lakhan village.

Emergency crews rushed to the remote crash site to search the wreckage and rescue survivors.

Seven people were killed in the violent fall, including five men and two women. Police later identified the victims as Tamilarsi, 60; Meenakshi, 59; Muthu Kumar, 58; Anamalik, 58; Meena, 58; Vijayal, 57; and Sivagami, 53.

Several other passengers survived the crash but suffered injuries.

Authorities say at least nine people—including several Indian pilgrims, the driver, and the driver’s assistant—were pulled from the wreckage and transported to nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet disclosed the severity of their injuries.

“The microbus was heading toward the Anbukhaireni area of Tanahun district after leaving the Manakamana Temple,” Chief District Officer Tulasi Bahadur Shrestha said. “At this point, we are still trying to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash.”

Investigators believe the bus may have lost control while navigating a sharp curve on the steep downhill route from the temple area to the main highway.

Police say the vehicle was traveling along a narrow mountain road that winds through the Himalayan foothills—terrain known for dangerous turns and steep drops.

Authorities are now examining multiple factors, including road conditions, mechanical issues, and the speed of the vehicle.

“We cannot yet confirm the cause,” one police official said. “The investigation will focus on whether the driver lost control, whether there was a mechanical failure, or whether road conditions played a role.”

The passengers had reportedly been returning from the Manakamana Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination that attracts thousands of worshippers each year. The temple sits high on a ridge and is often reached via steep roads or a cable car system.

Bus crashes are tragically common in Nepal, where mountainous terrain and narrow roads can make travel dangerous. Accidents involving buses and minibuses occur frequently, particularly in rural districts where safety barriers and road maintenance are limited.

For families of the victims, the journey meant to be one of spiritual devotion ended in heartbreak.

Rescue teams continued clearing the wreckage Sunday while officials worked to notify relatives of those killed in the crash. Investigators say more details about the cause of the accident are expected in the coming days.