British Man Among 19 Dead in Nepal Bus Crash, Family Pays Tribute
A British man has been confirmed among the 19 fatalities in a devastating bus crash in Nepal, according to police reports. Dominic Stewart, aged 23, was on board the overcrowded bus that veered off a mountain road, resulting in a tragic loss of life and leaving 25 others wounded.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred after midnight on the Prithvi highway, as the bus was travelling from the resort city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu. The vehicle rolled down a steep 200-metre slope and came to rest on the banks of the Trishuli river near Benighat, approximately 80 kilometres west of Kathmandu.
Rescuers arrived swiftly at the scene, with government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane confirming that the injured were extracted from the wreckage and transported to hospitals for urgent medical care. To date, only nine of the victims have been formally identified.
Tribute to a 'Caring' Young Brit
Dominic Stewart's grieving family has paid a heartfelt tribute to the young man, describing him as a "very loving and caring young man who was happiest trekking." In a statement to ITV, they revealed he was due to celebrate his 24th birthday next month, adding to the profound sense of loss.
International Victims and Ongoing Investigation
Among the injured were a Chinese national, who is receiving treatment at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, and a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand who sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The Chinese embassy in Nepal, via the Xinhua News Agency, reported that another Chinese national remains missing following the crash.
Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Such incidents are unfortunately common in Nepal, often attributed to poorly maintained roads and vehicles. The country's mountainous terrain, connected by narrow roads, presents significant challenges for transportation safety.
Historical Context of Similar Tragedies
This tragedy echoes previous accidents in the region. In 2024, two buses carrying 65 people fell into the same fast-flowing Trishuli river, with most passengers either killed or still missing. Wreckage from one of those buses was only discovered this year, buried deep in sand, highlighting the persistent dangers of travel in this Himalayan nation.
