MALEKHU: At least 17 people, including two foreigners died in a bus accident nearby Charaundi in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7, Dhading along the Prithvi Highway early this morning.

The Kathmandu-bound bus (Ga 2 Kha 1421) from Pokhara had plunged into the Trishuli River.

Among the deceased include 11 men and two women. Of two foreign nationals dead in the accident one is man and another woman, it is informed.

As many as 44 passengers were on board the bus. Some 26 injured were rescued and sent to various hospitals for treatment.

The rescue operation has completed in the accident site. Some injured are being treated in local hospitals while most were sent to Kathmandu.

Personnel from all three security agencies along with locals had involved in the rescue operation.