Nepal Bus Plunges into River: 19 Dead, Foreigners Among Injured
A passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal, fell into the Trishuli River in Dhading district, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 25 injuries. The accident occurred early Monday morning, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Key Highlights
- Bus fell into Trishuli River in Dhading district, Nepal.
- At least 19 people confirmed dead in the accident.
- 25 passengers sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
- The bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Rescue operations were conducted by multiple agencies.
- The cause of the accident is under investigation.
A devastating bus accident occurred in Nepal's Dhading district in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026, when a passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River. The incident claimed the lives of at least 19 people, with 25 others sustaining injuries.
The bus, carrying 44 passengers, reportedly veered off the Prithvi Highway near Behighat in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, falling approximately 200 meters (650 feet) into the river. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, though initial reports suggest overspeeding might have been a contributing factor. The accident occurred around 1:15 AM to 1:30 AM local time.
Among the deceased, at least one British national has been identified. Foreign nationals were also among the injured, including a New Zealander and a Chinese national. While some foreign nationals were treated for minor injuries and discharged, others were receiving treatment in hospitals in Kathmandu and Dhading.
Following the accident, a large-scale rescue operation was launched involving personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army, along with local residents. Rescue efforts were hampered by nighttime conditions and difficult terrain. The injured were transported to various hospitals in Kathmandu and Dhading for treatment.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a five-member committee to investigate the accident and recommend preventive measures. Road accidents are a significant concern in Nepal, with poor road conditions, badly maintained vehicles, and reckless driving cited as common causes. The country has been experiencing a rise in road accidents in recent years, with hundreds dying annually.
This incident is one of the deadliest bus accidents in Nepal in recent months. The government is coordinating with hospitals to ensure the injured receive proper treatment.
**Details of the Incident:**
* **Location:** Dhading district, Nepal
* **Date:** February 23, 2026
* **Time:** Approximately 1:15 AM - 1:30 AM (local time)
* **Route:** Pokhara to Kathmandu
* **Vehicle:** Passenger bus
* **Incident:** Bus fell into the Trishuli River from a highway.
* **Fatalities:** At least 19
* **Injured:** 25
* **Nationality of Deceased:** At least one British national identified.
* **Nationality of Injured:** Chinese, New Zealander reported among the injured.
**Contributing Factors and Concerns:**
* **Investigation:** A committee has been formed to determine the exact cause.
* **Potential Causes:** Overspeeding is suspected.
* **Road Safety in Nepal:** The accident highlights ongoing issues with road safety, including poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance.
**Response:**
* **Rescue Operations:** Conducted by Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local volunteers.
* **Medical Treatment:** Injured are being treated in hospitals in Kathmandu and Dhading.
* **Government Action:** Formation of an inquiry committee.
The consistent reporting across multiple credible news sources confirms the major details of the incident, including the location, approximate time, route, number of fatalities and injuries, and the involvement of foreign nationals. The headline from The Times of India accurately reflects the core facts of the tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the bus accident in Nepal occur?
The bus accident occurred in the early morning of Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Dhading district of Nepal.
What was the approximate death toll from the accident?
At least 19 people were confirmed dead following the bus accident.
What was the route of the bus involved in the accident?
The bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Were there any foreign nationals involved in the accident?
Yes, foreign nationals were among the deceased and injured. A British national was confirmed among the dead, and Chinese and New Zealander nationals were reported among the injured.
What is being done to investigate the cause of the accident?
Nepal has formed a five-member committee to investigate the fatal bus accident and recommend preventive measures.