Tragedy in Nepal: Bus Plunges into Trishuli River, Killing at Least 18

Rescue teams recover 18 bodies after overnight accident near Dhading; over two dozen injured passengers hospitalized.

KATHMANDU – A passenger bus veered off a highway and plunged into the Trishuli river in central Nepal early Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, according to local authorities.

The overnight accident occurred at approximately 1:15 AM local time near Chinadhara, located in the Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality of Dhading district. The bus was en route from the tourist hub of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, carrying more than 35 passengers.

Shishir Thapa, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office in Dhading, confirmed the death toll had reached 18. The operation has been complicated by the remote location and the darkness, hampering visibility for emergency responders.

Rajkumar Thakuri, Chair of the Highway Rescue Management Committee, stated that rescue teams have managed to pull 25 injured survivors from the wreckage. All injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

A multi-agency rescue operation involving the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents is currently underway at the site. Authorities noted that the incident occurred during the night, which has significantly hampered rescue efforts.

This is a developing story. Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the identities of the victims are expected to be released as the investigation proceeds.