Dhading, April 22- The death toll of Jhyaplekhola road accident in Dhading district has reached 17.

Of the deceased, eight are women and nine men, according to the Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Dhading, Prakash Malla. Identity of the deceased has not been ascertained yet, he added.

Police said that thirteen people died on the spot and the remaining while undergoing treatment.

The accident took place when a bus with registration number G Z 14 X 9900 fell into a ravine 300 metres down at Jhyaplekhola in Naubise VDC. The bus met with an accident while giving a side to a motorcycle, police added.

The bus carrying 45 pilgrims was heading towards Gorakhpur of India after visiting the Pashupatinath this morning. The injured are receiving medical treatment at Kathmandu-based Norvic and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospitals.

The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army and locals are carrying out rescue operation.