A tragic Nepal bus accident claimed 18 lives early Monday when a passenger bus plunged into the Trishuli River in Dhading district. The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns on Nepal's treacherous highways.patrika+1
Crash Details Emerge
The bus, registered as Ga 1 Kha 1421, was en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu with 44 passengers aboard. At around 1:30 AM in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5's Buffainigadouda area, the driver lost control, sending the vehicle into the fast-flowing Trishuli River.
Preliminary police reports point to possible driver error, but investigations continue amid challenging night conditions. Among the 18 dead—12 men and 6 women—are two foreign nationals, identities pending confirmation. Rescue teams first pulled 17 bodies; one injured passenger later died in hospital.
Rescue Efforts Amid Challenges
Over 25 injured passengers were swiftly rescued by Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Army, and locals. Many received care at local facilities, with critically hurt cases airlifted to Kathmandu hospitals. APF divers from the Disaster Management Unit aided recovery despite darkness and rugged riverbanks.
Dhading Traffic Police Chief Shishir Thapa confirmed the toll, noting 24 injured transferred for advanced treatment. Operations persist as authorities scour for any missing victims.
Why This Nepal Road Accident Matters Now
Nepal's Prithvi Highway sees frequent deadly crashes due to narrow roads, sharp bends, and monsoon damage—over 2,000 road deaths yearly. This Trishuli River crash, amid rising tourist travel post-winter, underscores urgent calls for better vehicle checks and driver training.
Experts like road safety advocate Rajkumar Thakuri urge stricter night driving rules. For travelers: Check bus conditions, avoid overloads, and use licensed operators.
Investigation and Passenger Safety Tips
Police probe speed, fatigue, or mechanical faults. Families await DNA IDs for victims.
Carry emergency contacts for Nepal Police (100).
