Bus plunges off Nepal mountain highway: 17 dead, Chinese national missing
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 23, 2026
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A tragic bus accident occurred early Monday in Nepal when a packed passenger bus plunged off the Prithvi highway while traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The incident left 17 people dead, including one Chinese national who remains missing, and another 24 individuals injured. Among those injured, one Chinese citizen is being treated at a local hospital, as confirmed by the Chinese embassy in Nepal. The bus was carrying dozens of passengers when it went off the road after midnight, rolling down a steep mountain slope.
The Prithvi highway, known for its treacherous terrain and frequent landslides, has long been a high-risk route for travelers. Overcrowding and poor road conditions are often cited as contributing factors in such incidents. The accident highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in Nepal, particularly on mountain highways where buses frequently operate despite harsh weather and unstable infrastructure. This route is also popular with tourists visiting Nepal’s renowned trekking and adventure destinations.
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the crash, with local authorities and volunteers working to pull survivors from the wreckage and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The Chinese embassy in Nepal has been actively involved in coordinating efforts to locate the missing Chinese national and provide support to affected families. The incident has drawn attention to the need for improved safety measures on Nepal’s highways, particularly
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/23/2026