Chhath preparations turn into tragedy as Sarlahi family loses six in Makwanpur microbus crash

Nirmala Devi Yadav of Sundarpur Tol in Chakraghatta Rural Municipality-4, Sarlahi, had already made preparations for Chhath, the major festival dedicated to the Sun God, which begins on Friday. She was eagerly waiting for her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, who had left Kathmandu on Wednesday evening and were expected to arrive home on Thursday morning. But instead of the joy of a family reunion, Nirmala received devastating news early Thursday.

The microbus carrying her family members plunged around 700 metres down a hillside at Chisapanigadhi in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-6, Makwanpur, killing 14 people. Her sons, 25-year-old Bikesh Yadav and 17-year-old Sudesh Yadav, were among the dead. Also killed were her daughter-in-law Poonam Yadav, 25, wife of Awadhesh Yadav, and their daughters Anu Kumari, 10, Diksha, 7, and Dipika, 5.

Awadhesh, who had planned to travel separately on a motorcycle the following day, survived the tragedy. His 15-month-old son, Sudip, was also among the injured and has been referred to Mediciti Hospital in Kathmandu for further treatment.