British National Among At Least 19 Killed in Nepal Mountain Bus Crash
A British national was among at least 19 people killed when a packed passenger bus drove off a mountain slope in western Nepal on Monday, according to local police officials. The tragic accident occurred on the Prithvi highway near Behighat in Dhading district, approximately 80 kilometers west of the capital Kathmandu.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The bus had departed from the popular tourist town of Pokhara before plunging approximately 200 meters (650 feet) from the road. It rolled down a steep mountainous slope before coming to rest on the banks of the Trishuli river. Preliminary reports indicate that around 44 people were onboard the vehicle when it left the hilly stretch of highway.
Police officials confirmed that 25 people sustained injuries in the devastating crash, including nationals from New Zealand and China. Among the fatalities, only nine bodies have been formally identified thus far, with identification efforts continuing.
Rescue and Recovery Operations
Regional government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane reported that rescue teams reached the accident site promptly after the mishap was reported. Emergency responders worked diligently to extract injured passengers from the mangled wreckage and transport them to medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Early visual evidence from the scene showed rescue personnel sifting through the twisted remains of the bus to assess the full extent of the damage. The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu.
Ongoing Investigation and Previous Incidents
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the bus to leave the highway, and police officials have launched a formal investigation into the accident's cause. The Chinese embassy in Nepal issued a statement confirming that one Chinese national remains missing following the crash.
This hilly region has experienced similar deadly accidents in recent years. In 2024, two buses carrying 65 people fell into the same river, resulting in most passengers either killed or still missing. Officials noted that wreckage from one of those buses was only discovered this year, buried deep in sand.
Tourism and Infrastructure Challenges
Nepal remains a popular South Asian destination for foreign tourists, particularly those seeking trekking adventures in its magnificent mountainous regions. The country attracts thousands of international visitors annually who come to experience its natural beauty and challenging terrain.
However, Nepal continues to face significant infrastructure challenges, with many roads remaining narrow and vehicles often inadequately maintained to handle the increasing tourist traffic. Much of the Himalayan nation is covered by mountains and connected primarily by these precarious roadways, creating ongoing safety concerns for both residents and visitors alike.
