Tamil Nadu government arranges repatriation of pilgrims killed in Nepal crash

The Tamil Nadu government said on Sunday that arrangements are underway to repatriate the bodies of seven pilgrims, including five women, who were killed in a tragic bus accident in Nepal on Saturday. The pilgrims were part of a group returning from a spiritual visit to the Manakamana Temple in central Nepal when the vehicle plunged into a deep ravine.

The accident occurred in Nepal’s Gorkha district near Shahid Lakhan village , about 120 kilometres west of Kathmandu, when the bus veered off a winding mountain road and fell approximately 150 metres into a gorge. Police and local residents responded promptly, rescuing the injured and transporting them to nearby hospitals.

All seven deceased five women and two men were from Pollachi and Devakottai in Tamil Nadu. In total, 24 pilgrims were aboard the bus when it lost control on a mountainous stretch during the return journey, with nine others reported injured and receiving treatment in Nepalese medical facilities.

The bodies are being taken to Kathmandu for autopsy before being flown to Chennai Airport , following which they will be transported to the deceased’s hometowns. The Tamil Nadu government said it will provide free van service from the airport for this purpose.

The state’s Non‑Resident Tamils Welfare Department , in coordination with representatives of Tamil associations and the Union Ministry of External Affairs , is also overseeing medical care arrangements for the injured and coordinating communication with families. Authorities said investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with road conditions and terrain challenges considered possible contributing factors.