Tragedy struck in Nepal on the morning of February 23, 2026, when a passenger bus veered off a highway, resulting in 19 fatalities and injuries to 25 others. The vehicle was transporting 44 individuals from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara to Kathmandu when it lost control and fell approximately 200 metres down a mountainside, coming to rest on the banks of the Trishuli River.
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The incident occurred near the village of Benighat, situated around 80 kilometres west of Nepal’s capital. Local officials responded promptly to the scene, where rescuers worked tirelessly to assist the injured and recover victims from the wreckage. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene as the bus rolled down the slope and crashed violently.
Among the deceased was a 24-year-old British national. Currently, authorities have only been able to identify nine of the 19 victims who perished in the accident. The injured party includes a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand, as well as a Chinese national, both of whom are receiving treatment at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu.
The breakdown of those affected includes 13 males and six females reportedly among the deceased, with injuries sustained by 16 males and nine females. Three individuals are believed to be in a serious condition, according to a spokesperson from the Nepal Police.
Rescue operations were initiated promptly following the incident, as local government officials coordinated efforts to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The response has been commended, with various media outlets emphasising the rapid action of emergency services. However, a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway.
Bus accidents are tragically frequent in Nepal, primarily attributed to poorly maintained vehicles and the challenging topography of the country’s roads. Historical data from the media indicates that incidents of this nature have become common across the nation, raising serious concerns about road safety.
In 2024, a similar accident saw two buses plummet into the Trishuli River, resulting in several deaths. The wreckage of one bus was only discovered in early 2026, buried under sand as a result of a landslide that had obscured the vehicles following the incident.
The bus service industry in Nepal has come under increasing scrutiny due to these repeated tragedies. Calls for reforms and stricter regulations surrounding vehicle maintenance and road safety have grown louder in light of the latest disaster. As investigations proceed, the hope remains that lessons can be learned to prevent such calamities from occurring in the future.
As relatives of the victims gathered at local healthcare facilities, local authorities have expressed condolences and pledged support to the affected families. The tragedy has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the community, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures on Nepal’s hazardous roads.
The District Police Office in Dhading is expected to release further information as the investigation unfolds. As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of public transport for all who travel along the scenic, yet perilous, routes of Nepal.