A British national has been confirmed among the 19 people killed when a passenger bus plunged 650 feet from a hilly road in western Nepal before dawn on Monday. The tragic incident occurred as the vehicle was travelling from the popular tourist town of Pokhara to the Nepali capital, Kathmandu.
Details of the Fatal Accident
According to a police statement, the bus fell approximately 200 metres (650 feet) from the road at Behighat in the Dhading district, located about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Kathmandu. The bus was carrying a total of 44 people at the time of the accident.
Casualties and Identification Efforts
So far, only nine of the deceased have been formally identified, with authorities confirming that a British citizen is among the fatalities. The accident also left 25 people injured, including a New Zealander and a Chinese national. All injured passengers are currently receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu.
Road Safety Concerns in Nepal
Road accidents are unfortunately common in Nepal, a country characterised by its challenging mountainous terrain and often poor road conditions. Hundreds of people die annually in road crashes across the nation, highlighting ongoing safety issues.
The steep and winding roads in regions like Dhading district present significant hazards, particularly for passenger vehicles. This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures on Nepal's highways.
Local authorities continue their investigation into the exact cause of the crash while emergency services work to identify all victims and support the injured. The incident has drawn international attention due to the involvement of foreign nationals among both the dead and wounded.
