Arabic version: حادث حافلة في نيبال يودي بحياة 19 شخصًا، بما في ذلك مواطن بريطاني

A tragic bus crash in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including a 24-year-old British man. The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning when the bus, which was transporting tourists, lost control and plunged 200m down to the banks of the Trishuli river in the Dhading district, located in central Nepal. There were 44 people on board, including the driver, and 25 others sustained injuries.

According to BBC News, authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that it is assisting the family of the deceased British national. Nepalese police reported that they have identified nine of the victims so far.

The Chinese embassy in Nepal has indicated that one of its citizens was also among the fatalities, although this has yet to be verified by local authorities. Among the injured are a Chinese national and a New Zealander, all of whom have been transported to hospitals in the capital, Kathmandu.

Rescue efforts have involved multiple teams, including police units, the army, and a specialized rescue team of divers. Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle stated that 17 people died at the scene, with an additional two succumbing to their injuries while receiving treatment.

Road accidents in Nepal are not uncommon, attributed to factors such as poor road maintenance and narrow mountain paths. In 2024, at least 14 people lost their lives when a bus fell into the Marsyangdi river while traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Nepal is known for its beautiful landscapes and is a popular destination for tourists, especially climbers venturing into the Himalayas.