In the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026, a passenger bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu veered off the Prithvi Highway and plunged into the Trishuli River in Nepal’s Dhading district, claiming at least 18 lives and injuring more than two dozen others. Rescue operations, involving multiple security agencies, continue amid difficult terrain and strong river currents, as reported by various sources including ANI and The Kathmandu Post.
The accident took place around 1:15–1:30 a.m. near Chinadhara or Bhainsigauda in ward 5 (or ward 3 in some accounts) of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, close to Gajuri or Charaundi, approximately 90 km west of Kathmandu. The bus, carrying over 35 passengers—some reports specify up to 45—was heavily damaged in the fall, with images showing the wreckage severely mangled.
Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force (APF), confirmed that 17 bodies were recovered initially from the site, with the death toll later reaching 18. Among the deceased are reports of at least one foreign national, including a New Zealander. Between 24 and 28 injured passengers were rescued and transported to local hospitals, with many—up to 27 in certain updates—referred to facilities in Kathmandu for advanced treatment. Identities of victims and the injured remain largely unconfirmed.
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A coordinated rescue effort is ongoing, involving Nepal Police, the Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force, and local volunteers. The APF deployed a specialized team with divers from its Nepal Disaster Management Unit at Adamghat. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Giri from the Disaster Management Training School is overseeing the operation. Officials have cited challenging factors such as nighttime darkness, rugged terrain, and swift river flows as major obstacles to recovery work.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause, with preliminary indications from police sources suggesting possible overspeeding, though no official determination has been made. This incident highlights the ongoing hazards faced by travelers on Nepal’s mountainous roads, where bus accidents remain a recurring concern. Updates are expected as search efforts persist and more details emerge.
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