Dhading, Nepal – February 23, 2026 — A tragic accident in Nepal’s Dhading district has resulted in the death of at least 18 people, with several others injured after a passenger bus fell into the Trishuli River early Monday morning. The incident occurred near Gajuri along the Prithvi Highway, approximately 90 kilometers west of Kathmandu.
According to Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force, the bus was traveling from Pokhara towards Kathmandu when it lost control and plunged into the river around 1:30 am. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Local authorities have confirmed that the bus was carrying a mix of passengers, many of whom are feared to be trapped or stranded in the wreckage. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that adverse weather conditions and speeding may have contributed to the crash. The steep terrain and challenging river currents have hampered rescue efforts, but teams are working tirelessly to recover victims and assist survivors.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on Nepal’s mountainous highways, which are often plagued by poor infrastructure and risky driving conditions. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of those affected and promised a thorough investigation. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, where medical staff are providing urgent care.
The government has called for increased safety measures along critical routes to prevent future accidents of this nature. As rescue operations continue, local residents and officials remain hopeful for more survivors to be found and for swift aid to be delivered to those affected by this devastating crash.
