Fatal Bus Crash in Nepal Claims 19 Lives, Including British Hiker

On February 23, 2026, a tragic bus accident in Nepal resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including a 24-year-old British hiker named Dominic Ethan Stewart. The packed passenger bus, which was traveling from the tourist city of Pokhara to the capital Kathmandu, veered off the Prithvi Highway and plunged approximately 200 meters down a steep mountainside near Benighat in the Dhading district, about 80 kilometers west of Kathmandu. In addition to the fatalities, 25 others sustained injuries, including a New Zealand woman and a Chinese child.

The GuardianThe Straits TimesA packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25Sky NewsThe Hindu

The bus was carrying 44 passengers when it lost control and rolled down the mountain slope, ultimately landing on the banks of the Trishuli River. Eyewitness accounts and police reports indicate that the bus went out of control in the early hours of the morning. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the remote location and lack of equipment, which delayed their efforts to reach trapped survivors. Police spokesperson Prakash Dahal noted that the bus's frame was severely damaged, complicating rescue operations.

The Guardian

Vehicle accidents are a common occurrence on Nepal's mountainous roads, which are often poorly maintained. Factors contributing to these accidents include overcrowded buses, aging vehicles, and lax enforcement of road safety regulations. The Prithvi Highway, where the accident occurred, is notorious for its dangerous conditions, characterized by sharp bends and steep drops. Previous incidents, such as a landslide in 2024 that swept two buses into the same river, highlight the ongoing risks associated with travel in this region.

The GuardianA packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25Sky NewsThe Straits TimesThe Hindu

The British Foreign Office confirmed that they are providing support to Stewart's family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Nepal's home ministry has established a five-member task force to investigate the crash's causes. Local officials have suggested that speeding may have played a role in the accident, although a definitive cause has yet to be determined.

The Hindu

Critics have pointed to the systemic issues surrounding road safety in Nepal, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. The frequency of such accidents raises concerns about the adequacy of current measures to protect passengers on the country's perilous roads.

The Guardian

There are discrepancies in the reported number of injured individuals, with some sources stating 25 and others indicating 26. Furthermore, while 17 bodies were reported recovered at the scene, only nine have been positively identified so far. The ongoing investigation may clarify these details.

The Hindu

“Rescuers worked through the night to reach trapped survivors but their efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment and the remote location.” — Prakash Dahal, Police Spokesperson

The Guardian

“We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nepal and are in contact with local authorities.” — Foreign Office Statement

The Guardian

“Bus accidents in Nepal are common, mostly due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles.” — Government Official

A packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25

This incident underscores the persistent dangers of travel in Nepal and the urgent need for improvements in road safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

The Guardian