A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by a school bus in Tulsipur, Dang District, police confirmed on Wednesday. The child, identified as Aayan Nepali, was hit by a Laxya Academy school bus (Lu.Pra.02-001 Ka 0004) while walking on the road in Gairapatu, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-07.
Aayan, who sustained serious injuries in the accident, died during treatment at Rapti Provincial Hospital Tulsipur, police said. He was the son of Pappu Nepali, originally from Sharada Municipality-02, Khalanga, Salyan, and currently residing in Ranijaruwa, Tulsipur-05, Dang.
Police have taken the bus and its driver into custody following the incident. Authorities stated that further investigation into the accident is underway.
School Bus Safety Regulations
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Department of Transport Management, issued the ‘School Bus Directive’ in 2074 BS, outlining standards for school buses.
According to the directive, school buses must be painted yellow and display “School Bus” signs on both the front and rear. It also specifies passenger capacity, allowing 1.5 times the seating capacity for students under 12 years old and equal to seating capacity for those above 12 years old.
The Nepal Police Traffic Directorate also provides guidelines to ensure the safety of children on school buses, advising against riding on footboards, prohibiting any part of the body from being outside the bus, and emphasizing adherence to bus safety rules. Teachers are also encouraged to accompany children on buses to ensure their safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
Furthermore, the Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049 BS, Section 152(1), mandates third-party insurance for all vehicles. This provision aims to provide compensation to third parties who suffer damages in vehicle accidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While the bus and driver are in police custody, several details surrounding the tragic event remain unclear. The exact time and detailed circumstances of the accident have not yet been publicly disclosed. Police have also not released the name of the detained bus driver.
It is also not yet clear what specific charges will be brought against the driver under which laws, nor has any information been provided regarding compensation or other support for the victim’s family. Laxya Academy, the school operating the bus involved in the accident, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
