18 killed, over 25 injured as bus falls into Nepal river

KATHMANDU — At least 18 people were killed after a passenger bus plunged into a river in Nepal’s Dhading district early Monday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.The accident occurred around 1.30 am near Gajuri, about 90 km west of Kathmandu, when the bus traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu veered off the road and fell into the Trishuli river.There were 44 people onboard including the driver, 25 of whom suffered injuries. The bus had been carrying tourists from Pokhara, a popular tourist spot, to Kathmandu.Authorities say they are investigating the cause of the incident.Nepalese police said they had so far identified nine of those killed. A 24-year-old British national is among the dead and the injured included a Chinese national, and a New Zealander, they said.All the injured have been taken to hospitals in the capital, they added.Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle said 17 people died at the scene, with two more dying while receiving treatment.Road accidents are relatively commonplace in Nepal, due to a range of factors including poor road maintenance and narrow paths in mountainous areas.Nepal is a popular destination for many international visitors, especially climbers, who travel there to access a key section of the Himalaya mountain range that includes Mount Everest. — Agencies