Nineteen Killed in Nepal Bus Tragedy

At least 19 people, including a British tourist, lost their lives when a passenger bus veered off a mountainous road and plunged into a snow-covered river in Nepal. A further 25 individuals were injured, many requiring urgent medical attention.

The accident occurred early on Monday, 23 February, as the bus was travelling from the popular tourist city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle lost control on the winding, steep roads of Dhading District and fell more than 200 metres (approximately 655 feet) into the Trishuli River below. The treacherous terrain, combined with narrow roadways and limited visibility in the early hours, contributed to the severity of the incident.

Senior local police officer, Prakash Dahal, stated that the bus was carrying 44 passengers. Of these, 19 perished while 25 sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. He confirmed that among the deceased is a British national. Furthermore, he mentioned that the injured include a Chinese and a New Zealand citizen. The identities of the other victims are yet to be released as authorities continue their verification process.

Mohan Prasad Nupane, a spokesperson for the Dhading District Administration, confirmed that rescue operations were completed in the early hours following the crash. He added that injured passengers have been transferred to nearby hospitals, with several receiving specialised care due to the severity of their injuries.

The following table summarises the known details of the tragedy:

Nepalese authorities have emphasised the challenges of ensuring road safety on mountainous routes frequently used by tourists. The government has announced plans to review transportation regulations, particularly concerning passenger buses navigating hazardous terrain.

Local police and emergency services are urging travellers to exercise extreme caution on these roads. A formal investigation into the accident’s cause has been launched, with officials pledging to determine whether road conditions, vehicle maintenance, or driver error contributed to the crash.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with travel in mountainous regions, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of existing transport regulations.