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Nepal Bus Accident: At Least 17 Dead, 24 Injured

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 3:21 GMT by Morning Call PA
      Locale: Unknown, NEPAL

Besisahar, Lamjung District, Nepal - February 23, 2026 - A devastating bus accident in the mountainous region of Nepal has claimed the lives of at least 17 people and injured 24 others. The incident occurred near Besisahar, in the Lamjung district, marking yet another tragic event on Nepal's notoriously dangerous roadways.

The bus, reportedly carrying passengers along a remote mountain route, veered off the road and plunged down a steep embankment. Rescue operations are currently underway, but officials warn that the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue and more bodies are retrieved from the wreckage. As of 8:00 AM local time, emergency services are still working to extricate survivors and recover the remains of those who perished.

First responders, including police and specialized rescue teams, are facing significant challenges due to the rugged terrain and limited accessibility of the crash site. Many of the injured are suffering from severe trauma and have been transported to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention. Reports indicate that several individuals are in critical condition.

While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, authorities are focusing on potential factors such as mechanical failure, driver error, and the inherently dangerous conditions of the road itself. The stretch of highway where the crash occurred is known for its sharp bends, steep inclines, and often poorly maintained surfaces. Locals report frequent landslides during the monsoon season further exacerbating the risks.

The Prime Minister has issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life and has pledged a full and thorough investigation. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," the statement read. "The government will leave no stone unturned in determining the cause and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future." A dedicated investigative team has been assembled and dispatched to the scene.

A Recurring Tragedy: Nepal's Road Safety Crisis

This latest incident is sadly not an isolated event. Nepal consistently faces a high rate of traffic accidents, largely attributed to a combination of inadequate infrastructure, poorly enforced traffic regulations, and often reckless driving practices. The country's mountainous geography presents unique challenges for road construction and maintenance, resulting in narrow, winding roads that are prone to landslides and deterioration.

According to data from the Nepal Police, over 2,000 people are killed and thousands more injured in road accidents each year. The majority of these accidents involve public transportation vehicles such as buses and microbuses, which are often overcrowded and driven at high speeds. Furthermore, a significant portion of the vehicle fleet is aging and lacks essential safety features.

Experts have long called for comprehensive improvements to Nepal's road safety infrastructure, including:

• Road Maintenance and Upgrading: Prioritizing the repair and widening of existing roads, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Driver Training and Licensing: Implementing stricter driver training programs and licensing requirements to ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate challenging road conditions.
• Vehicle Inspection and Regulation: Establishing regular vehicle inspections to identify and address mechanical issues before they contribute to accidents.
• Improved Traffic Enforcement: Increasing the presence of traffic police and enforcing existing traffic regulations more effectively.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about road safety practices and promoting responsible driving behavior.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, addressing the issue of overcrowding on public transportation is crucial. Regulations limiting the number of passengers allowed on buses and microbuses, coupled with stricter enforcement, could significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

The government has recently announced plans to allocate additional funding to road safety initiatives, but critics argue that more needs to be done, and that implementation has been slow. The families of the victims of this latest tragedy are demanding swift action to address the systemic issues that continue to endanger lives on Nepal's roads. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive road safety reforms in the country, before more lives are needlessly lost.