A catastrophic bus accident in Nepal’s mountainous Dhading district has resulted in 19 fatalities and 25 injuries, with citizens from multiple nations among the victims. The tragedy occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Monday when the vehicle veered off a treacherous mountain road near Behighat, plummeting approximately 200 meters (650 feet).
The ill-fated bus was transporting 44 passengers from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara to the capital city of Kathmandu when the accident transpired approximately 80 kilometers west of the capital. According to official police statements, the deceased included citizens from the United Kingdom, China, and India. Among the injured, who are currently receiving medical treatment at Kathmandu hospitals, were a New Zealander and another Chinese national.
This devastating incident highlights the persistent road safety challenges in Nepal’s difficult mountainous terrain, where inadequate infrastructure and hazardous conditions contribute to frequent accidents. The Nepalese government has promptly responded by initiating a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Road transportation accidents remain a critical public safety concern throughout Nepal, with hundreds of fatalities recorded annually. The country’s rugged geography and underdeveloped road network present ongoing challenges for both local commuters and international visitors alike. This particular tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities of road travel in developing nations with complex topographies.