A devastating bus accident in central Nepal has resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 25 injuries after the vehicle plunged into the Trishuli River during overnight hours. The tragedy occurred near Chinadhara, close to Charaundi in the Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, at approximately 1:15 AM local time on Monday.
The bus, transporting more than 35 passengers on the route from Pokhara to Kathmandu, veered off the roadway and into the treacherous waters. The remote location and darkness significantly hampered initial rescue efforts, according to authorities on the scene.
Emergency response teams comprising personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local volunteers immediately launched a complex rescue operation. District Traffic Police Office Chief Shishir Thapa confirmed the death toll, while Rajkumar Thakuri, Chair of the Highway Rescue Management Committee, reported that all injured survivors have been transported to medical facilities for treatment.
This incident highlights the persistent challenges of road safety in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where difficult terrain and infrastructure limitations frequently contribute to transportation accidents. The Trishuli River area has witnessed similar tragedies in the past, raising concerns about highway safety measures and emergency response capabilities in remote areas.
Investigation into the precise cause of the accident remains ongoing, with authorities examining factors including driver fatigue, road conditions, and potential mechanical failure. The nighttime timing of the incident presents additional challenges for investigators working to determine the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic outcome.