15 killed in Nepal as marriage party bus falls into river

At least 15 people have been killed and 25 others were injured when a bus carrying a marriage party veered off a hilly road and fell into a river, in southwestern Nepal.

The ill-fated bus met with the accident at Chidapani village of Palpa district along the Siddhartha Highway last night, police said.

Twelve people died on the spot while three others succumbed to injuries at Lumbini Medical College Hospital, police added.

The bus driver was also killed in the accident and the vehicle was completely damaged.

Four injured were said to be critical.

The accident occurred due to drunk driving, police said.

The bus fell 300 metre down into the river from the hilly road at 9.30 pm yesterday while carrying the marriage party.

Both the bridegroom and bride were also injured but are safe.