Feb 23 โ€ข 11:42 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด Norway NRK

19 dead as bus plunges off mountain road in Nepal

A bus accident in Nepal resulted in 19 deaths and 25 injuries when the vehicle lost control and fell off a cliff near Benighat.

A tragic bus accident occurred in Nepal on Monday, claiming the lives of 19 individuals and injuring 25 others. The vehicle, which was reportedly carrying at least 44 passengers, lost control and plunged off a steep mountain road near Benighat, approximately 80 kilometers west of the capital city, Kathmandu. Among the deceased is a 24-year-old British national, highlighting the international implications of the incident as it involved several tourists from various countries, including China and New Zealand.

Local authorities reported that the bus ended up approximately 200 meters down the slope, landing on the banks of a river. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, although further investigations will be necessary to determine the exact cause of the accident. As the news spreads, many are expressing condolences and concern for the families affected by this calamity, emphasizing the dangers associated with driving on Nepalโ€™s challenging mountain roads.

This incident raises significant concerns about road safety in Nepal, especially in mountainous regions frequented by tourists. As travel to Nepal continues to increase, officials and transportation authorities may need to reassess regulations and safety measures for the roads to prevent such unfortunate tragedies in the future. The loss of lives, including those of foreign nationals, may attract greater scrutiny on how tourist transportation is managed in the country.

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