New Delhi

Government today sent an IL 76 aircraft to Kathmandu to bring back mortal remains of the 17 Indian pilgrims who were killed in a bus accident in Nepal.

The plane will reach Kathmandu tonight. However, the bodies and 28 people injured in the incident will be air-lifted tomorrow after completion of formalities.

“India sends IL 76 aircraft to bring back mortal remains of victims of tragic bus accident in Nepal. Aircraft to reach Kathmandu tonight,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

He said that on account of more time for formalities relating the tragic bus accident, IAF has informed that the victims’ mortal remains and injured will be brought back tomorrow.

At least 17 Indian pilgrims including nine women were killed and 28 others injured when a bus carrying them from Gujarat plunged some 100 metres from a mountain highway in Nepal.

The ill-fated bus with Indian number plate, carrying around 45 pilgrims, veered off the Prithvi highway in Dhading district, some 75-km east of Kathmandu.

– PTI