Hetauda, May 5, 2025 – In a baffling incident, a Bolero van (license plate Na. 4 Cha. 4833) transporting fish disappeared into the ground in Ward No. 17, Gairigaun, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City. The vehicle sank following a sudden road collapse on Friday evening, and despite ongoing efforts, it remains unrecovered three days later.
The incident has shocked local residents and authorities, who are scrambling to understand the cause of the sinkhole. Preliminary inspections by city officials, including Mayor Meenakumari Lama, Deputy Mayor Rajesh Baniya, and ward representatives, have prompted plans to bring in geological experts to investigate the subsurface conditions.
Potential Causes Under Scrutiny
The affected area is surrounded by fish ponds and boring wells, leading to speculations that excessive groundwater extraction may have contributed to the collapse. Deputy Mayor Baniya expressed concerns that the boring well near the site might have destabilized the ground. "We have already reached out to relevant authorities to initiate a detailed investigation," he confirmed.
Locals reported that the road caved in suddenly, forming a water-filled depression that swallowed the parked van within seconds. Recovery teams have been working tirelessly to pump water from the site, but the van remains elusive.
Environmental and Infrastructure Implications
The incident underscores the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management in urban and peri-urban areas like Hetauda. Overextraction of groundwater for fish farming and other purposes could compromise soil stability, increasing the likelihood of sinkholes.
City officials have announced plans for a thorough geological study to assess the impact of water extraction practices in the area. "This is a wake-up call," said Ward No. 17 Chairman Uddhav Satyal. "We must prioritize sustainable practices to prevent such incidents in the future."
Next Steps
As search and recovery efforts continue, the Sub-Metropolitan City has called for an immediate disaster meeting. Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the investigation and are advising caution around the affected site.
The mysterious disappearance of the van serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between development and environmental stewardship. Ecosphere News will continue to follow this story as updates emerge.
