Six monks of Kanglung Thubten Choekhorling Shedra in Trashigang died when the bus they were travelling in fell more than 300 feet off the road near Takti Koti canteen on the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway on November 12.

The six deceased monks were between the ages of 23 and  32.

Of the 18 monks who were rescued and admitted to Chhukha hospital, nine are referred to the JDWNRH in Thimphu. All the monks are in stable condition.    

The monks were returning to Kanglung after attending the initiations and Moenlam Chhenmo at Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu.

His Holiness the Je Khenpo visited the site and conducted prayer ceremonies for the deceased. Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering arrived at the site within hours after the accident to coordinate the search and rescue efforts which took two days to evacuate the injured and those missing.

According to police, the cause of the accident is yet to be determined. An investigation is underway. The police would collect statements from the 18 survivors to determine the cause.