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Bus Drives off Nepal Highway; at Least 14 Dead, 15 Hurt

by Associated Press

   KATHMANDU, NEPAL --

   A passenger bus heading toward Nepal's capital has veered off a key
   highway early Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring 15,
   police said.

   The bus drove off the highway early Saturday and plunged into the
   Trishuli River, which is known for fast currents, said police official
   Dhruba Raj Raut.

   The bodies were pulled from the site about 80 kilometers (50 miles)
   east of the capital, Kathmandu.

   It wasn't clear how many people were aboard the bus, and rescuers were
   searching for more possible survivors despite the strong current. Only
   a small section of the wreckage was visible.

   Road accidents in Nepal, which is mostly covered with mountains, are
   generally blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and road conditions.