British Tourist Among 19 Victims in Tragic Nepal Bus Crash

A 24-year-old British national is among 19 people who lost their lives following a devastating bus accident in Nepal, authorities have confirmed.

The tourist bus was en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara when it lost control and plunged approximately 200 metres down a steep slope before crashing onto the banks of the Trishuli River in Dhading district early Monday morning.

A total of 44 people, including the driver, were on board at the time of the incident. While 19 people died, 25 others sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals in Kathmandu for treatment. Children were reported to be among the passengers.

Nepalese authorities identified the British victim as Stewart Dominic Ethan, although his identity has yet to be formally confirmed by the UK Foreign Office, which said it is providing support to the family affected by the tragedy.

Rescue operations involved multiple emergency teams, including police, military personnel, and specialist divers. According to police spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle, 17 victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries later in hospital.

Officials also indicated that a Chinese citizen may be among the dead, though this has not been fully confirmed. Among the injured are nationals from China and New Zealand.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Road accidents remain a significant challenge in Nepal due to difficult terrain, narrow mountain routes, and road conditions. A similar tragedy occurred in 2024 when a bus travelling between Pokhara and Kathmandu fell into the Marsyangdi River in Tanahun district, resulting in at least 14 fatalities.

Despite such risks, Nepal continues to attract visitors from around the world, particularly adventurers drawn to the Himalaya, home to some of the highest peaks globally, including Mount Everest. Tourism, especially mountaineering, remains an important contributor to the nation’s economy, generating significant revenue each year through climbing permits.