How Did a Bus Accident in Central Nepal Claim 12 Lives?
Synopsis
A devastating bus accident in central Nepal leads to the tragic deaths of 12 people, raising concerns about road safety as the region grapples with an alarming rise in vehicle-related incidents. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
Key Takeaways
The bus plunged into the Tamakoshi River, resulting in 12 fatalities.
Eight individuals were injured, with serious cases sent to Kathmandu.
The incident occurred around 11 AM in Ramechhap district.
Rescue operations involved local authorities and police.
The rise in road accidents in Nepal calls for urgent road safety measures.
Kathmandu, Feb 10 (NationPress) At least 12 individuals tragically lost their lives when a passenger bus fell into the Tamakoshi River from the roadway in the Machanetar region of Ramechhap district in central Nepal, as reported by police on Tuesday.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhola Kumar Bhatta, head of the Ramechhap District Police Office, informed IANS that the incident occurred around 11 AM. “Eight others sustained injuries, with seven being transported to Kathmandu for advanced treatment due to severe wounds,” he stated.
Bhatta explained that the bus driver lost control, leading the vehicle to plunge approximately 100 meters down into the river. The bus had set off from Kathmandu heading towards Pokali in Okhaldhunga when it fell into the Tamakoshi River.
The District Administration Office in Ramechhap confirmed that six bodies were retrieved from the site, while an additional six succumbed to their injuries during medical intervention.
Authorities are unsure of the total number of passengers on board; however, Bhatta indicated that they believe around two dozen individuals were traveling on the ill-fated bus.
In response to the accident, a rescue operation was launched, involving local police, the Armed Police Force, and the local Disaster Management Division.
With the increasing number of vehicles and enhanced road connectivity, Nepal has seen a troubling rise in road accidents over recent years.
The Traffic Police Office reported 4,999 road accidents a decade ago, while the fiscal year 2024-25 recorded 7,669 accidents, resulting in 190 fatalities, including 278 classified as serious.
The human cost of road accidents is significant, with a World Bank study from 2020 indicating that the economic burden of traffic injuries in Nepal has surged threefold since 2007, accounting for 1.5 percent of the gross national product. Road crashes disproportionately affect the impoverished.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this tragic event with sensitivity. The rising number of road accidents highlights a critical issue in Nepal's transport system. Our nation must prioritize road safety to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. The loss of lives is a profound tragedy that affects families and communities, and we must advocate for effective measures to enhance road safety across the country.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus accident in Ramechhap?
The bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plunge approximately 100 meters into the Tamakoshi River.
How many people were on the bus during the accident?
Authorities believe around two dozen individuals were traveling on the bus at the time of the incident.
What measures are being taken for the injured?
Eight individuals injured in the accident have been transported to Kathmandu for advanced medical treatment.
What is the current status of the rescue operation?
A rescue operation is currently underway, involving local police, the Armed Police Force, and the Disaster Management Division.
How does the rise in vehicle numbers affect road safety in Nepal?
The increase in vehicles and improved road connectivity has led to a concerning rise in road accidents, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
