17 people were killed after a passenger bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River in Nepal’s Dhading district. Authorities launched a major rescue operation as concerns rise over Nepal’s growing road accident crisis.
At least 17 people were killed after a passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River in Dhading in the early hours of Monday, officials confirmed.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 1:30 am in the Bhaisigauda area of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality. According to district authorities, the bus veered off the roadway and fell nearly 300 meters down a steep embankment before landing on the riverbank below.
Chief District Officer Bijaya Raj Subedi stated that 17 individuals who appeared to have died at the scene were sent for medical confirmation. “We have also sent 27 injured passengers for treatment at various local hospitals and facilities in Kathmandu,” Subedi said. Authorities confirmed that a total of 44 people were on board the ill-fated bus at the time of the crash.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Officials noted that the vehicle was reportedly traveling in its designated lane, and no immediate signs of collision with another vehicle were found. Mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or poor road conditions are among the possibilities being examined.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched
Personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents were mobilized immediately after the incident was reported. The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to darkness, rugged terrain, and limited rescue equipment. Authorities stated that the first phase of the rescue operation concluded around 6:30 am.
Emergency teams worked for hours to retrieve bodies and assist survivors trapped in the wreckage. Injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals before being transferred to advanced medical centers in Kathmandu for specialized treatment.
Local officials described the scene as devastating, with twisted metal and debris scattered along the riverbank. The steep and narrow mountain roads in the region are known for their sharp turns and challenging driving conditions, particularly at night.
Rising Road Accident Crisis in Nepal
The deadly crash has once again drawn attention to Nepal’s escalating road safety crisis. In recent years, the country has witnessed a significant rise in traffic accidents, largely attributed to rapid motorization, inadequate infrastructure, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations.
According to the Traffic Police Office, Nepal reported 4,999 road accidents a decade ago. However, in the fiscal year 2024–25, the number surged to 7,669 accidents, resulting in 190 deaths. Of these incidents, 278 were classified as serious accidents.
Experts say the surge in vehicle numbers without proportional road safety improvements has intensified risks for passengers and drivers alike. Mountain highways, including the route connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu, are particularly vulnerable due to landslides, poor lighting, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the tragic loss of life, road accidents in Nepal carry a significant economic burden. A study conducted by the World Bank revealed that the economic cost of road traffic injuries in Nepal has tripled since 2007 and now amounts to approximately 1.5 percent of the country’s gross national product.
The impact is especially severe among vulnerable populations. The World Bank reports that more than 70 percent of road fatality victims in Nepal are vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. This disproportionate impact further deepens social and economic inequalities.
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As authorities continue investigating Monday’s fatal crash, calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced emergency response systems are growing louder. For the families of the victims, however, the tragedy has already left an irreversible mark.
