At least 19 people were killed and 25 others injured in a tragic bus accident in Dhading early Monday morning.
The passenger bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu when it lost control and plunged into the Trishuli River. The accident happened at around 1:30 am along the Prithvi Highway at Bhainsegaunda in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality–5.
Police said the bus fell nearly 200 meters down to the riverbank.
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44 People Were On Board
The bus left Pokhara Tourist Bus Park at 7:00 pm on Sunday.
At first, officials said 37 people were traveling on the bus, including the driver and two staff members. However, police later confirmed that 44 people were on board at the time of the crash.
Authorities are still verifying the final passenger list.
Preliminary reports suggest the bus became uncontrollable before it went off the road. Investigators are now examining the exact cause.
Rescue Operation Through the Night
Rescue teams worked throughout the night.
Personnel from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army reached the site soon after the accident. A diving team was also deployed. Local residents helped pull survivors from the wreckage.
The injured passengers were first taken to nearby hospitals. Later, serious cases were referred to Kathmandu.
Condition of the Injured
Among the 25 injured:
- 14 are receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu.
- 10 are being treated at a hospital in Kalanki.
- Two passengers remain in critical condition.
Officials confirmed that one of the deceased was a 24-year-old British national. Several victims are yet to be identified.
Government Forms Probe Committee
Following the accident, the Ministry of Home Affairs held a high-level meeting.
The government has decided to form a probe committee to investigate the crash. Officials say road conditions, vehicle problems, and driver negligence are common causes of such accidents.
Growing Road Safety Concerns
This is one of the deadliest road accidents in recent weeks.
In the past three weeks alone, more than 40 people have died in separate bus crashes across Nepal. Authorities have again called for stricter road safety enforcement and regular vehicle inspections.
The investigation into the Dhading bus accident is ongoing.
