KATHMANDU: At least 17 people died and 24 others sustained injuries after a passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River in Dhading district on Sunday night, officials said.
The Armed Police Force, Nepal, confirmed that the accident occurred at 1945 GMT. According to spokesperson Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, multiple teams from security agencies rushed to the scene and immediately launched rescue operations. Authorities deployed a large number of personnel to search the river and recover victims.
Meanwhile, rescuers worked to identify the deceased and transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Medical teams provided emergency care as families gathered at health facilities seeking information about their loved ones.
However, officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. Investigators have begun examining the wreckage and collecting statements to establish how the vehicle veered off the road and fell into the river.
Road accidents frequently occur in Nepal, particularly along highways that cut through mountainous terrain. Experts attribute these incidents to poor road infrastructure, aging vehicles, and hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, narrow roads and unpredictable weather often increase the risk of fatal crashes.
Authorities have pledged to continue rescue efforts until they account for all passengers. In addition, they have urged transport operators to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
