A passenger bus traveling along the East-West Highway was swept away by a sudden flash flood in Vinayi Khola, located in Eastern Nawalparasi’s Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality–1. The incident triggered an overnight rescue operation that successfully brought all passengers to safety.
The bus, bearing registration number BE 1 KHA 4085, was en route from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj when it attempted to cross the recently built diversion road over the Vinayi Khola at approximately 11:30 PM. Due to continuous heavy rainfall, the river’s water level rose rapidly, submerging the vehicle.
According to Rajan Timilsina, Police Inspector at the Dumkibas Area Police Office, the bus became stranded mid-crossing due to the swift water current. “We immediately deployed an excavator to assist in the rescue and managed to evacuate everyone safely,” he said.
The bus was carrying 38 passengers, including three children. Two individuals had exited the bus earlier and reached a safe area on their own. The remaining 36 passengers were rescued through coordinated efforts that continued from 11:30 PM until around 2:00 AM, authorities confirmed.
Rescue Operation Successful, But Vehicle Swept Away
After the evacuation, the now-empty bus was swept approximately 500 meters downstream by the floodwaters. Officials stated that due to the strong current and ongoing rain, recovery of the vehicle has not yet been possible. The extent of luggage or personal belongings lost in the flood remains unclear.
Bhavishwor Pandey, Chief District Officer of Eastern Nawalparasi, stated that the Binayi Khola diversion was washed away due to Wednesday night’s relentless rainfall, rendering the roadway completely impassable. The local administration had issued a travel advisory early Thursday morning, urging the public to avoid this section of the highway.
Pandey also highlighted that the original concrete bridge over the Vinayi Khola had collapsed in December due to overloaded Indian trucks. A temporary northern diversion was constructed to facilitate vehicle movement, but it too has now been damaged by the flood.
Travel Advisory Issued; Alternate Routes Recommended
“Despite having an alternative route for small vehicles and passenger buses between Dumkibas and Hongsi Gate, many drivers avoid it due to the longer distance,” he explained. “As of now, the stretch from Bardaghat to Vinayi Khola remains one of the most hazardous zones on this highway. We strongly advise travelers to refrain from using this route for the time being.”
While the local administration does not have the authority to officially close a national highway, officials have reiterated public warnings due to the high risk involved.
Authorities have suggested that vehicles traveling from Butwal to the east consider using the Kaligandaki Corridor via Rampur in Palpa to reach Gaindakot, which is currently safe and operational.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of Nepal’s national highways during the monsoon season, particularly in areas relying on temporary infrastructure.
