Nepal (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic road accident in central Nepal claimed at least 18 lives after a passenger bus en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu veered off a mountain highway and plunged into the Trishuli River in the early hours of the morning.
The crash occurred around 1 a.m. along the Prithvi Highway near the Bhaisepati area of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality in Dhading district. According to officials, the vehicle skidded off the roadway and tumbled nearly 300 metres down a steep slope before coming to rest near the riverbank, badly mangled.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased include six women and eleven men. Among those who lost their lives were two tourists from New Zealand — a man and a woman — who were travelling on the same route.
Emergency teams managed to pull 27 injured passengers from the wreckage. The survivors include eight women, eighteen men and a minor girl. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention after being brought up from the river area under challenging conditions.
The rescue mission was carried out jointly by the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police. Officials said the operation was hampered by darkness, rugged terrain and limited rescue equipment. Many survivors were first ferried nearly a kilometre downstream by boat before being carried uphill to the road and transported by ambulance.
Chief District Officer Suvedi stated that rescue personnel relied on torchlight to search for victims through the night. He also noted that there was a shortage of adequate relief supplies at the accident site, which complicated efforts.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. Authorities are examining whether road conditions, mechanical failure or driver error contributed to the fatal plunge.
