Death toll in Dhading bus crash climbs to 19; Government forms probe panel

Kathmandu, February 23

The death toll from the Dhading bus accident has risen to 19, prompting the government to form an investigation committee to determine the cause of one of the deadliest road crashes in recent months.

The bus, bearing registration number Ga 2 Kha 1231, was en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu when it veered off the road and plunged onto the bank of the Trishuli River at Bhainsedanda, near Charaundi in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality–5, Dhading, at around 1 am on Sunday.

Seventeen passengers died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries during treatment — one at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu and another later during medical care — taking the total fatalities to 19.

According to the District Police Office, Dhading, 25 injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment. Fourteen are being treated at the National Trauma Center, 10 at National Hospital in Kalanki, and one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj. Authorities said several of the injured remain in critical condition.

Nine of the deceased have been identified, including a 24-year-old British national, Stewart Dominic Ethan, and passengers from Kaski, Syangja, Tanahun, Dhading, Kathmandu and Palpa districts. The remaining victims have yet to be identified. Police said efforts are underway to establish their identities, noting distinguishing features such as tattoos in some cases.

In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened an emergency meeting on Monday. The meeting, chaired by Home Minister Om Prakash, was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, the Director General of the Department of Roads, representatives of the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, chiefs of the three security agencies, and other concerned officials.

The meeting decided to form a probe committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash, including possible mechanical failure, road conditions and driver conduct.

The accident has once again raised concerns over road safety standards, nighttime travel risks, and the condition of highways connecting major cities. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation as families of the victims await answers.

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