Bajura bus accident claims life of co-driver; eight others injured

Bajura: A co-driver injured in a bus accident on Saturday has died during treatment.

Ganesh Joshi, 24, of Dasharathchandra Municipality-9, Baitadi, sustained injuries in a bus accident at Serkatia, Budhinanda Municipality-7, on the Martadi-Kolti Road. According to Gagan Singh Bhat, Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Bajura, Joshi’s condition worsened, and he was sent to Dhangadhi for further treatment, where he passed away at 10 pm on Saturday.

Eight other injured passengers have been sent to Seti Provincial Hospital, Dhangadhi for further care, confirmed Nripraj Giri, Information Officer at District Hospital, Bajura. Among them are 23-year-old Bishal Shahi of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality-3 Jukot, 19-year-old Umesh Bhat of Budhinanda Municipality-6 Shatskot, 24-year-old Jamuna Malla and 7-year-old Laxmi Malla of Budhinanda Municipality-5 Shatskot, as well as 22-year-old Pavitra Singh of Juwapani, her two-year-old daughter Jenisha Singh, five-year-old Palle Singh, Jessica Singh, and 45-year-old Isra Devi Sunar of Sasta, Budhinanda Municipality-7.

The bus, bearing registration number Sup.Pr. 01-001 Kha 3181 and traveling from Kolti to Dhangadhi, reportedly veered backward while stopping to load luggage on the roof. The driver is currently absconding, and the District Police Office, Bajura, has stated that further investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, in Baitadi, district-level sports competitions have been halted due to a lack of budget. Tark Raj Joshi, acting head of the District Sports Development Committee Office, Baitadi, stated that the committee has not received any funding and remains in debt from previous projects.

Although youth participation in sports such as football, volleyball, cricket, and athletics has increased, the committee said long-term development is hindered by insufficient government support and infrastructure. Small-scale competitions continue to be organized by local clubs and schools, but the committee is calling for regular budget allocations for sports infrastructure, player insurance, and training programs.

Joshi emphasized that the government should prioritize district-level sports committees, especially in hilly districts like Baitadi, where investment in sports is essential for promoting discipline, leadership, and opportunities among youth.