The last missing passenger of the Thimphu-Tsirang bus accident on May 4 was found yesterday evening. There were 24 passengers on board.

Her husband, who was also a passenger, identified the body of the 26-year-old woman.

According to police, a relative of one of the passengers who had visited the accident site had reported seeing a limb underneath the bus submerged in the river.

Police officials said they could not find the body under the bus earlier, as the bus was half submerged and also because the river was muddy.

A search team comprising of dessups, police, community volunteers, soldiers, officials from the Department of Disaster Management, and relatives of the missing woman combed the banks of the river until Sunkosh yesterday.

Of the eight who died in the accident, six were found dead at the spot in Kewathang, which is 16kms away from Wangdue towards Tsirang. The driver of the bus and a three-year-old girl were among those who died on impact. An elderly woman died in Bajo hospital.

Sources confirmed that the bus veered off the road after two falling boulders hit the tyre of the bus at Kewathang around 10:25am. Although not many accidents were reported, Kewathang is identified as a risky road.

Falling boulders also damaged an ambulance of Punakha hospital that was deputed for rescue. A security guard of Punatsangchu project also sustained injuries on the hand. He was admitted at Bajo hospital.

Of the 16 survivors, 13 were admitted at Bajo hospital of which 10 were sent home yesterday and three referred to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH). All survivors are in stable condition.

His Majesty The King also visited Bajo hospital. As part of the medical team, Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering and the health minister were also at the hospital.

Phurpa Lhamo  | Wangdue