At least 18 people have been killed after a passenger bus carrying tourists plunged 200 metres on to the bank of the Trishuli River near Gajuri in Dhading District, Nepal, in the early hours of Monday morning.
The bus had been travelling from Pokhara, a popular tourist destination, to the capital, Kathmandu, when it lost control. It plunged into the river along the Prithvi Highway, around 90 km west of Kathmandu, at about 1.30 am.
A total of 44 people, including the driver, were on board, with 25 sustaining injuries. Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Personnel from the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police were deployed to carry out rescue operations, with divers among the teams sent to the scene, authorities said. Those killed in the crash included nationals from New Zealand, the UK, China and the Netherlands.
Nepal has a high number of road traffic accidents. Reports say there are roughly 2,700 deaths each year. The accidents often involve public buses, particularly on mountain routes. Poor vehicle maintenance and speeding are among the main causes.
In a January 2025 report, The Kathmandu Post stated that Nepal experiences an average of at least 75 road accidents each day, resulting in around seven fatalities daily. The figures were cited from a report by the Nepal Police.
The 200 km road from Kathmandu to Pokhara is generally considered safe for travel, but it can be rough, crowded and slow. The highway carries heavy traffic. The route includes narrow, winding mountain sections and, has been affected by significant construction. Although it is a common tourist path, road accidents remain frequent in Nepal due to the difficult terrain and instances of reckless driving.
The accident comes as Nepal’s tourism industry is experiencing a rise in visitor numbers. More than 720,000 foreign visitors arrived in the first eight months of 2024, an increase of 8.3 per cent compared with the same period last year. The figures, released by the Nepal Tourism Board, point to continued recovery following the pandemic and reflect efforts to attract a broader range of travellers.
Where did the bus accident happen?
The bus fell into the Trishuli River, along the Prithvi Highway, about 90km west of Kathmandu.
When did the accident occur?
The crash took place in the early hours of Monday, at around 1.30am.
How many people were on the bus, and how many were injured or killed?
There were 44 people on board, including the driver. At least 18 passengers were killed, and 25 sustained injuries.
Is the road between Kathmandu and Pokhara safe for tourists?
While generally considered safe, the 200km two-lane mountain highway can be rough, crowded, and slow, with narrow, winding sections.
How common are road accidents in Nepal?
Nepal experiences over 75 road accidents daily on average, resulting in roughly 2,700 deaths each year. Public buses, particularly on mountain roads, are frequently involved, with poor maintenance, speeding, and narrow roads cited as common causes.