British Trekker Among 19 Fatalities in Nepal Bus Crash
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a British tourist described as 'lovely and caring' who tragically died in a devastating bus crash in Nepal. Dominic Stewart, aged 23, was among the 19 people killed when a tourist bus lost control and plunged 650 feet down a steep ravine near Behighat in the Dhading district, approximately 50 miles west of Kathmandu.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Senior local police officer Prakash Dahal confirmed the grim toll, stating: 'Out of 44, in total 19 people died, and 25 are undergoing treatment.' He added that one British citizen was among the deceased. The bus had been travelling from the popular tourist city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, when it veered off the road onto the bank of the Trishuli River.
Rescue operations were completed by dawn, with all injured individuals transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash, which remains under scrutiny.
Remembering Dominic Stewart
Mr Stewart had just successfully completed the renowned Annapurna Circuit trekking route and was eagerly anticipating celebrating his 24th birthday in March. His grieving family described him as a 'very loving and caring young man who was happiest trekking.' His father noted that Dominic had lived his entire life in Exeter and was well-known within local junior football circles.
The Foreign Office has not formally named him but issued a statement: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nepal and are in contact with the local authorities.'
International Impact and Broader Context
In addition to the British fatality, a New Zealander and a Chinese national were among those injured in the crash. China's Xinhua news agency reported that one Chinese national was also missing following the incident.
This tragedy underscores the persistent and severe road safety challenges in mountainous Nepal, where poor road conditions contribute to hundreds of fatalities annually. Earlier this month, at least 13 people were killed when a bus carrying a wedding party plunged off a mountain road in western Nepal, injuring 34 others.
In August 2024, 14 individuals died after a bus carrying Indian pilgrims fell 500 feet into a ravine in Tanahun district, with 16 others injured. The bus, transporting at least 40 Indian pilgrims, had its top section ripped open during the crash. All 43 passengers were Indian nationals, according to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, necessitating deployment of a military helicopter to assist rescue efforts.
Just a month prior, two buses carrying 59 passengers were swept into a river by a landslide in the nearby district of Chitwan, further highlighting the perilous travel conditions in the region. These consecutive incidents emphasise the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on Nepal's treacherous mountain highways.
