A devastating Nepal bus accident has claimed the lives of 19 people, including a 24-year-old British tourist, after a passenger bus carrying travellers veered off a mountainous road and plunged approximately 200 meters onto the bank of the Trishuli River.
The crash occurred early Monday in Dhading district, central Nepal, as the bus was travelling from Pokhara — a popular tourist hub — to the capital, Kathmandu. Authorities said the vehicle lost control before falling down the steep hillside.
According to police, 44 people, including the driver, were on board at the time of the accident.
- 19 people were killed
- 25 passengers sustained injuries
- Victims include a 40-year-old Chinese woman and a 32-year-old Indian man
- Children were among those travelling on the bus
Nepalese authorities identified the British victim as Stewart Dominic Ethan, although the UK Foreign Office has not officially confirmed the name. A spokesperson stated it is supporting the victim’s family and liaising with local officials.
All injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Kathmandu. Among them are a Chinese national and a New Zealander.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Rescue teams comprising police, army personnel, and divers were dispatched to the crash site. Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle reported that 17 victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Investigation Launched
Nepal’s Home Ministry has formed a five-member taskforce to investigate the cause of the Nepal bus accident. Authorities are examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle safety, and driver control.
Road accidents are relatively common in Nepal due to narrow mountain roads, poor maintenance, and challenging terrain. In 2024, at least 14 people died when a bus travelling the same Pokhara–Kathmandu route fell into the Marsyangdi River.
Tourism Safety Concerns
Nepal remains a major destination for international tourists, particularly climbers heading to the Himalayas and Mount Everest. The latest Nepal bus accident has raised renewed concerns about road safety for both locals and visitors travelling between major tourist destinations.