A horrific accident unfolded in central Nepal’s Ramechhap district when a passenger bus veered off a treacherous mountain road and plunged into the Tamakoshi River. The tragedy, which occurred around 11 a.m. near Machanetar, claimed the lives of 12 people and left eight others injured.
Ramechhap’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bhola Kumar Bhandari, confirmed the devastating toll to reporters. ‘The bus lost control and fell approximately 100 meters into the river,’ he stated. Among the injured, seven suffered critical wounds and were rushed to Kathmandu for advanced treatment.
The vehicle was en route from Kathmandu to Pokali in Okhaldhunga district, carrying around 24 passengers according to preliminary estimates. Rescue teams, including local police, armed forces, and disaster management units, sprang into action immediately. Six bodies were recovered from the scene, while six more succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
This incident underscores a alarming surge in road accidents across Nepal. Improved road connectivity and rising vehicle numbers have led to more frequent mishaps. Traffic police data reveals a sharp increase: from 4,999 accidents a decade ago to 7,669 in 2024-25, resulting in 190 fatalities, with 278 classified as severe.
The economic repercussions are staggering. A 2020 World Bank study highlighted that the cost of road traffic injuries in Nepal has tripled since 2007, now equating to 1.5% of the gross national product. The burden falls heaviest on the nation’s poorest citizens, amplifying the human and financial tragedy of such disasters.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging stricter adherence to safety protocols on Nepal’s winding highways to prevent future calamities.