British Tourist, 23, Killed in Nepal Bus Crash: Family Pays Tribute
A British tourist, Dominic Stewart, aged 23, has been tragically killed in a devastating bus crash in Nepal, with his family paying heartfelt tribute to a "loved" young man who was known for his adventurous spirit. The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, when a tourist bus travelling from Pokhara to Kathmandu lost control and veered off the Prithvi highway, plunging approximately 200 metres down a mountain into the Trishuli River.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The bus was carrying 44 people at the time of the crash, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including Mr Stewart. Nepalese police have confirmed that all victims have been identified, with the deceased including a 40-year-old woman from China and a 32-year-old man from India. Among the 25 injured survivors are a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand and a Chinese national, who are currently receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu.
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to a lack of specialised equipment. Superintendent Sumit Khadka explained to the RSS news agency that responders had to console victims for extended periods as they lacked tools to immediately lift or cut through metal wreckage. Despite these hurdles, the rescue mission was completed by dawn on Tuesday, according to Mohan Prasad Neupane, information officer at the district administration office.
Family Remembers a Beloved Son and Brother
Dominic Stewart, affectionately known as Dom to his friends, had been travelling through Nepal after visiting Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. He had recently completed the Annapurna Circuit, a renowned hiking route, and was en route to Kathmandu to celebrate his upcoming 24th birthday next month. His family, based in Exeter where he lived his entire life, described him as a "very loving and caring young man who was happiest trekking."
In emotional statements to The Telegraph, his father, Mike, said, "He was loved by everybody he met," while his mother, Jane, added, "He was our baby. He was the baby of six. He was my husband's best friend." The family also revealed that Mr Stewart had plans to study finance and accountancy at university in Bristol, highlighting his aspirations for the future.
Ongoing Investigations and Support
Authorities have handed over Mr Stewart's body to the British embassy, and the British foreign office has confirmed they are providing support to his family and are in contact with Nepalese officials. The Nepalese government has ordered an investigation into the crash, underscoring concerns over road safety in the region.
This tragic event highlights the frequent road accidents in Nepal, where mountainous terrain and poor road conditions contribute to hundreds of fatalities annually. Notably, this is not the first such incident in the area; in July 2024, two buses carrying over 50 people fell into the same river following a landslide, raising further questions about infrastructure and safety measures.
The community and authorities continue to mourn the loss, as families like the Stewarts grapple with the sudden absence of a cherished individual whose passion for adventure and life touched many.
