Bus Traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu Crashes in Dhading, Killing 17

The passenger bus that met with an accident in Dhading this morning had departed from Pokhara at 7 PM, it has been learned. Ain Kumar Sai, Chairman of the Prithvi Highway Bus Operators Company Pvt Ltd, informed that the bus, bearing registration number Ga 2 Kha 1421, belonging to Machhapuchhre Tours and Travels, left Pokhara at 7 PM carrying 34 passengers.

According to him, the bus belongs to Om Kumar Shrestha of Jamune in Tanahun, who was also reportedly traveling on the vehicle. He added, "According to information received from the police, 17 people aboard the bus have died so far." Employees of the Prithvi Highway Operators Company have also reached the accident site from Malekhu to gather further information about the incident," he said.

Sai also informed that the driver of the bus was Sujit Nepali, and his condition remains unknown. He stated that the injured are currently receiving treatment at Trauma Center, hospitals in Kathmandu, and some at local hospitals.

Metropolitan Mayor Acharya Expresses Grief

Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, expressed sorrow over the accident involving the passenger bus traveling from Pokhara towards Kathmandu.

Mayor Acharya expressed his grief via social media platform Facebook, offering condolences to the 17 passengers who lost their lives in the accident and extending sympathy to the bereaved families.

"I am extremely shocked and saddened by the news that the passenger bus with registration number Ga 1 Kha 1421, traveling from Pokhara towards Kathmandu around 1:30 AM last night, met with an accident, falling from the Prithvi Highway into the Trishuli Riverbank at Bhaisigaunda, Ward No. 5 of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality in Dhading District," he stated.

He wished for the speedy recovery of the 28 injured passengers and thanked the Armed Police Force, Disaster Management Team, divers, and local brothers and sisters who were deployed at the scene and actively involved in the rescue operation.

He also urged everyone to provide all possible assistance and humanitarian sensitivity to the grieving and bereaved families during this time of sorrow.