A passenger bus en route between Kathmandu and Okhaldhunga entered the Tamakoshi River on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, killing at least 12 and injuring eight others, in the Ramechhap district of central Nepal.
The Incident
The ill-fated bus operated by Araniko Transport (registration Pradesh 03-01-005 Kha 9975), was headed towards Pokali in Okhaldhunga. The accident happened at Masantar in Manthali Municipality-6 at about 11:00 AM local time (Ramechhap District Police Office). Based on reports, the vehicle lost track and fell about a 100m gradient off the road and entered partially submerged in the fast moving waters in Tamakoshi River.
Casualties and Identification
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bhola Kumar Bhatta confirmed that 12 lives were lost in the tragedy. Six passengers died on the spot, while six others succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at local medical facilities. Medical Superintendent Dr. Keshab Singh Dhami of Manthali Hospital stated that ten of the deceased have been identified. The victims include:
Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality: Bhim Bahadur Tamang (38), Sanumaya Tamang (35), Ramita Tamang (26), Tara Tamang (31), Babi Tamang (22), Dipendra Basnet (26), Dipesh Basnet and Man Kumari Baruwal (45). Other regions: Shiva Shrestha (34) from Sindhuli; Man Bahadur Tamang (60) from Dolakha. The identities of two other victims are being verified.
Rescue Operations and Investigation
After the crash, the Armed Police Force (APF) and local police units, including the Disaster Management Division, embarked upon a much larger rescue effort. Residents as well rushed to the site to help pull off debris and save human and property. Of these eight who were injured, seven have been in critical condition and were airlifted or transported to Kathmandu and Dhulikhel hospitals for advanced care.
The bus driver, who also sustained injuries, is in police custody as a part of the investigation. Although the precise cause of the accident is not currently known, recent reports indicate that the driver lost his control along the narrow, winding mountain road.
Road Safety in Nepal
The problem is compounded by tough terrain and poorly maintained vehicles and narrow highways in Nepal. Traffic data showed that there were more than 7,600 accidents in the 2024–25 fiscal year in the country. Experts are still pushing for tougher enforcement of safety rules and infrastructure upgrades to fix those regular disasters.
