KATHMANDU, March 8: Twelve bodies have been found and at least 30 people are still missing after a crowded bus plunged into a river from a mountainous road in southwestern Nepal, a police officer said on Wednesday.

The bus swerved to avoid an oncoming car, skidded off the highway and plunged 100 metres into a deep river on Tuesday, said the police officer from Dhading district.

“Twelve bodies have been recovered and the bus is still submerged in the river,” said the officer. “We have called for a crane to get the bus out.”

Passersby, local police officers and soldiers were able to pluck seven people from the Trishuli river but at least 30 others were swept away, he said. The injured were taken to hospital.—AFP