British National Among atalities in Nepal Bus Crash on Mountain Highway
A tragic bus accident in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including a British national, with 25 others sustaining injuries. The incident occurred when a packed bus veered off the Prithvi highway, a mountain road, and landed on the banks of the Trishuli River, approximately 50 miles from the capital city of Kathmandu.
Details of the Crash and Rescue Efforts
According to police reports, the bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu when it drove off the highway around midnight on Monday, which corresponds to 6:15 PM on Sunday in the UK. The vehicle rolled down a steep mountain slope before coming to rest near Benighat, close to the Trishuli River. Rescue workers swiftly reached the scene following the crash, as confirmed by government official Mohan Prasad Neupane, but the remote and rugged terrain posed significant challenges to recovery operations.
So far, only nine of the victims' bodies have been identified. Among them is a 24-year-old from the United Kingdom, as reported by the Dhading district police office. The injured include a Chinese national and a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand, highlighting the international impact of this disaster. Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with initial assessments pointing to potential factors such as road conditions or vehicle maintenance issues.
Context of Road Safety in Nepal
Bus crashes are a common occurrence in Nepal, largely attributed to the country's poorly maintained roads and vehicles. Much of the Himalayan countryside is characterized by mountainous terrain, connected only by narrow and often hazardous roads. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about transportation safety in the region.
In a similar tragedy in July 2024, two buses carrying 65 people fell into the same Trishuli River, resulting in numerous fatalities. These repeated accidents highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent future losses on Nepal's treacherous mountain highways.
