On Monday, a tragic accident occurred in Nepal when a bus veered off a mountain road, resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals, including a 24-year-old British citizen. The incident took place near Benighat, about 80 kilometers west of the capital Kathmandu. Reports indicate that there were at least 44 people on board at the time of the accident, with many of the victims being tourists from countries such as China and New Zealand. Emergency services responded swiftly to the site, but the bus ultimately ended up approximately 200 meters down a riverbank.

This area has a troubling history of similar accidents, which raises concerns about the safety of transport on such perilous routes. In 2024, two buses carrying a total of 65 passengers also plunged into the same river, leading to a significant number of fatalities and disappearances, many of whom are still unaccounted for. The wreckage of one of those buses was only uncovered this year, buried deep in sand, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by the challenging terrain in this part of the country.

Local authorities have been called to investigate the causes of the latest accident, as the safety of bus travel in Nepal remains a pressing issue. The combination of difficult mountain roads, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance standards has contributed to a pattern of disastrous incidents affecting both locals and tourists alike. There is a need for improved safety regulations and public awareness about the dangers of traveling in high-risk regions to prevent future tragedies.