A nine-year-old boy died and his parents were injured on Saturday morning when an Indian-plated gas bullet collided with their motorcycle in Banepa Municipality-13, Bhaitepati, Kavrepalanchok. Police identified the deceased as Juwas Budhathoki, son of Chandra Budhathoki, from Sandhikharka Rural Municipality-6, Khotang.
The accident occurred when the gas bullet, with Indian registration number HR 38 AL 1634, travelling from Kathmandu to Banepa, struck a motorcycle with registration number Ba. Pra. 02-071 Pa 7063, which was moving in the same direction. Juwas Budhathoki was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival by doctors, police said.
Chandra Budhathoki and his wife, the boy’s parents, sustained injuries in the crash. They are currently receiving treatment at Shir Memorial Hospital in Banepa. Shir Memorial Hospital is the oldest hospital in Banepa, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
Police have taken the driver of the gas bullet into custody. The nationality of the driver has not yet been disclosed.
Road safety concerns in Nepal
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nepal. In the fiscal year 2080/081 (BS), a total of 2,369 people died in road accidents across Nepal, accounting for approximately 81 percent of all disaster-related fatalities. During the same period, 32,156 people were injured in road accidents, with 6,160 sustaining serious injuries and 25,996 suffering minor injuries.
In Madhesh Province alone, 95 people died in 1,427 road accidents during the first three months of the current fiscal year (mid-July to mid-October). Additionally, 2,523 individuals were injured in Madhesh Province during this period. Among the fatalities, 10 were children, 72 were men, and 13 were women. Over Rs 40 million in revenue was collected in Madhesh Province during these three months for traffic rule violations.
Challenges with gas bullet operations
Indian-plated gas bullets have historically been responsible for transporting gas in Nepal. Despite efforts by the government and businesses to operate Nepali-plated gas bullets, significant progress has not been achieved. Nepali businesses have purchased gas bullets, but they remain inoperable because India has not issued the necessary ‘explosive’ certificates.
Nepal Oil Corporation had granted permission to Nepali businesses to operate 775 Nepali-plated gas bullets on Ashar 27, 2073 (BS). The budget for the fiscal year 2073/074 (BS) also provided a two-thirds customs duty exemption for the construction of these bullets. However, Nepali gas bullet operators claim that the lack of permits is due to interference from Indian transporters and the indifference of high-ranking Nepali officials.
Ongoing investigation
Police investigation into the gas bullet driver is ongoing. The injured Budhathoki couple will continue to receive treatment at Shir Memorial Hospital. Further details regarding the couple’s health condition and the specific cause of the accident are yet to be released.
