The rescue operation was a testament to the coordinated response of Nepal’s emergency services, despite the remote location and adverse conditions. Divers from the armed police force scoured the river for any trapped or missing passengers.
In a harrowing overnight tragedy, a passenger bus en-route from Nepal’s scenic city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, veered off the treacherous Prithvi Highway and plummeted into the Trishuli River, claiming the lives of 19 people and leaving 25 others injured. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026, has once again spotlighted the perils of road travel in Nepal’s mountainous terrain, where narrow, winding roads and inadequate infrastructure contribute to frequent disasters.
The bus departed Pokhara’s Tourist Bus Park at around 7:00 PM on Sunday evening, carrying an estimated 44 passengers, including the driver – 29 men and 15 women. Authorities believe additional travellers may have boarded along the route, complicating efforts to verify the exact number on board. The vehicle was navigating the Prithvi Highway, a vital artery connecting western Nepal to the capital, when disaster struck approximately 80 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Eyewitness accounts and initial reports describe the bus losing control shortly after midnight, plunging about 200 meters down a steep hillside before coming to rest on the riverbanks near Charaundi in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7, Dhading district – also referred to as Bhaisigauda in some reports.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the district police office Dhading, area police office Gajuri, the nepal army’s Bhairav Battalion, and a specialized disaster management diving team from the Armed Police Force, mobilized swiftly with the aid of local residents. Their efforts focused on extracting survivors from the mangled wreckage amid the darkness and challenging terrain. Injured passengers were initially rushed to nearby facilities in Malekhu and Dhadingbesi before those in critical condition were transferred to advanced hospitals in Kathmandu, such as the National Trauma Centre and National City Hospital.
The death toll, initially reported at 17, rose to 19 as two more victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Among the deceased are individuals from various regions of Nepal, as well as foreign nationals. Police have identified nine of the victims so far.
Victims Identified Amid Growing Toll
The identified deceased include Stewart Dominic Ethan, a 24-year-old British national. Other victims hail from across the country.
The identities of the remaining 10 fatalities are still being confirmed through forensic processes and family notifications, a task made difficult by the severity of the crash. Among the injured, a 22-year-old Chinese national is receiving care at the National Trauma Centre, while another Chinese passenger remains missing, prompting concerns of an additional casualty. A 27-year-old woman from New Zealand sustained minor injuries and is being treated at a local hospital, adding to the international dimension of the tragedy.
Heroic Rescue Operations in the Dead of Night
The rescue operation was a testament to the coordinated response of Nepal’s emergency services, despite the remote location and adverse conditions. Divers from the armed police force scoured the river for any trapped or missing passengers, while ground teams used ropes and heavy equipment to access the site. Local villagers played a crucial role, providing immediate aid and guiding rescuers through familiar paths. Government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane praised the quick arrival of teams, noting that survivors were pulled from the debris and transported to hospitals within hours.
Spokesperson Paban Kumar Bhattarai from the Kathmandu District Range confirmed the updated casualty figures and emphasized the ongoing support for the injured. The Prithvi Highway Bus Operators’ Committee has cooperated by providing passenger manifests, aiding in the identification process. Families of the victims have begun gathering at hospitals, seeking information and closure amid the chaos.
Investigation Underway; Road Safety Concerns Mount
Police have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the plunge, with preliminary theories pointing to possible driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or slippery road conditions exacerbated by recent weather. No definitive conclusions have been reached, but authorities are examining the bus’s maintenance records and the driver’s history.
This incident is far from isolated in Nepal, a Himalayan nation where road accidents claim hundreds of lives annually. Poor infrastructure, overloaded vehicles, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations are perennial issues. In 2024, two buses carrying 65 passengers fell into the same Trishuli River, resulting in most being killed or missing; one wreckage was only recovered this year after being buried under sand. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms, including better road maintenance, stricter vehicle inspections, and improved driver training.
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