Bus inferno in Bara, seven killed

At least seven people have been killed and two dozen others injured, on Friday, when a passenger bus was engulfed in fire near Pathlaiya along the East-west highway in Bara district.

Those killed include five men, one woman and one kid.

The fire engulfed the bus when it was crossing a bridge over Pasaha River at around 5:15 p.m. The bus was heading to Birgunj from Janakpur.

Police teams have reached the incident to carry out rescue operations. Injured passengers have been taken to Narayani Sub-regional hospital. Many of them are undergoing treatment in critical condition.

The fire started from back seats due to which many passengers sitting in front could escape the incident it is said.

Some reports suggest that there was arson involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, some reports have said that Terai Army has owned up responsibility for the incident saying they resorted to the attack against the bus for flouting local bandh. nepalnews.com ia Jan 18 08