Spike in Road Accidents Claims Dozens of Lives Across Nepal; Authorities Cite Multiple Causes

Kathmandu. Road accidents have been increasing in recent days. Despite the loss of life and property due to these accidents, stakeholders are showing little interest in accident mitigation.

Three major vehicle accidents have occurred in different parts of the country in the last 18 days, resulting in the deaths of more than 44 people. Road structure is often blamed for these accidents. Although road accidents are on the rise, the government has not conducted any investigation into the specific causes behind them.

According to Police Spokesperson DIG Abhinarayan Kafle, an analysis of the causes has begun following the surge in accidents.

'There are various reasons for accidents. Road conditions, vehicle condition, and driver negligence are the main factors,' said Spokesperson Kafle. 'The accident in Dhading occurred due to loss of control. We are analyzing the increasing number of accidents.'

Nearly four dozen people have lost their lives in vehicle accidents that occurred on Magh 22 in Purchaudi-7 Badgaon, Baitadi; Magh 29 in Seleghat, Ramechhap; and on Falgun 11 in Benighat Rorang, Dhading.

The highest number of fatalities, 19 people, occurred in the bus accident in Benighat Rorang, Dhading, last night. The bus, G1 Kha 1421, belonging to Prithvi Yatayat Byabasayi Samiti, traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, fell into the Trishuli River near Bhaisegouda in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5, Dhading, at around 1 AM last night.

Traffic police reported that the injured have been sent to various hospitals in Kathmandu and elsewhere for treatment.

Previously, 13 people died and 27 were injured in a wedding procession bus accident in Baitadi on Magh 22. The accident occurred at Badgaon Mor in Purchaudi Municipality-7 when the Pawanputra Yatayat bus, Supra 02001 Kha 1119, met with an accident, with six deaths occurring at the scene and others succumbing later.

Less than five days after the bus accident in Baitadi, another accident occurred at Triveni Ghat in Ramechhap. The bus, Province 3-01-005 Kha 9975, traveling from Kathmandu towards Okhaldhunga, met with an accident on Magh 27, killing 12 people. Eight people were injured in that accident.