Fatal Bus Accident in Nepal Claims 19 Lives

In the early hours of February 23, 2026, a passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu veered off the Prithvi Highway and plunged nearly 300 meters into the Trishuli River in Dhading district, Nepal. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including a British national, and injuring approximately 25 others. The bus, operated by Prithvi Rajmarg Bus Sanchalak Company Pvt Ltd, was carrying 44 passengers at the time of the incident.

The Statesman18 killed, 28 injured as bus plunges into Trishuli River in Nepal’s DhadingThe HinduA packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25Tragedy on Prithvi Highway: 18 Killed, 23 Injured in Midnight Bus Crash in Dhading, Nepal18 Killed As Bus Plunges Into Trishuli River In Nepal’s Dhading DistrictThe Straits TimesThe Statesman

Rescue efforts commenced shortly after the accident, involving personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army. Initial reports indicated that 17 bodies were recovered from the accident site, with the death toll later confirmed to be 19. Among the injured were a New Zealander and a Chinese national, with some victims receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu. The challenging terrain and nighttime conditions hampered rescue operations, as rescuers navigated through rugged landscapes and swift river currents.

18 Killed As Bus Plunges Into Trishuli River In Nepal’s Dhading DistrictTragedy on Prithvi Highway: 18 Killed, 23 Injured in Midnight Bus Crash in Dhading, NepalThe StatesmanTRT WorldThe HinduA packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25The Straits Times18 killed, 28 injured as bus plunges into Trishuli River in Nepal’s Dhading

While the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined, preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding may have contributed to the bus losing control. Police have initiated a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, which is part of a broader concern regarding road safety in Nepal. The country has a high incidence of road accidents, attributed to poor infrastructure, aging vehicles, and treacherous mountain roads.

The Statesman

Critics have pointed out that the rising number of vehicles on Nepal's roads has not been matched by adequate improvements in road safety measures. Data from the Traffic Police Office indicates a significant increase in road accidents over the past decade, with nearly 7,669 reported in the fiscal year 2024-25, resulting in 190 fatalities. This incident underscores the ongoing hazards faced by travelers on Nepal's mountainous routes.

The Statesman

Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force, confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts and the recovery of bodies from the site. He noted the difficulties faced by rescue teams due to the challenging conditions. Local authorities have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for improved road safety measures.

18 Killed As Bus Plunges Into Trishuli River In Nepal’s Dhading District

• “The bus was travelling in its own lane. The exact reason behind the accident has not yet been identified,” — Subedi, Local Authority

18 killed, 28 injured as bus plunges into Trishuli River in Nepal’s Dhading

• “This incident highlights the ongoing hazards faced by travelers on Nepal’s mountainous roads, where bus accidents remain a recurring concern.” — Local Official

18 Killed As Bus Plunges Into Trishuli River In Nepal’s Dhading District

Authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations continue and more details about the victims and the circumstances of the crash emerge. The incident has reignited discussions on the urgent need for enhanced road safety protocols in Nepal.

The Statesman