A devastating bus accident occurred in Nepal, leading to the unfortunate deaths of 19 individuals, with one being a British national aged 24. The bus, which was reportedly carrying dozens of passengers, was on its way from the resort town of Pokhara to the capital city, Kathmandu, when it skidded off the mountainous highway. The wreckage was found along the banks of the Trishuli River near Benighat, approximately 80 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Authorities have confirmed that they have only been able to identify the victims of nine of those who lost their lives so far.

Among the injured are a Chinese citizen currently receiving treatment at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu and a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand who suffered minor injuries and is being treated at a local hospital. The official Chinese news agency 'Xinhua' reported that one more Chinese national is missing, according to the Chinese embassy in Nepal. The response to the accident was swift, with search teams reaching the scene shortly after the incident occurred and rescuing the injured from the debris.

This incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns related to travel in Nepal, particularly on mountainous roads. Nepal's tourism sector plays a significant role in its economy, and accidents like this can severely impact the confidence of travelers. As authorities continue their investigations into the cause of the accident and the identification of victims, the international community, especially those with nationals involved, will be closely watching the developments.