KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 23 The death toll from the tragic bus accident in Dhading has risen to 19, while 25 others remain injured. The passenger bus, en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu, veered off the Prithvi Highway early Sunday morning and plunged about 200 metres down to the Trishuli River at Bhaisigauda in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality. According to the District Police Office Dhading, the accident occurred at around 1:30 am. The bus (Ga 2 Kha 1421) was carrying a total of 44 passengers, including the driver. Of them, 29 were men and 15 women. Earlier reports had confirmed 17 deaths, including two foreigners, but the toll later increased as additional victims were identified. Rescue operations were conducted jointly by the District Police Office, Area Police Office Gajuri, Nepal Army's Bhairav Battalion, and a disaster management diving team from the Armed Police Force, with support from local residents. Injured passengers were first taken to Malekhu and Dhadingbesi hospitals, while those in serious condition were referred to the National Trauma Centre and National Medical College in Kathmandu. Those injured are receiving treatment at multiple facilities, with some in critical condition. Among the deceased are Stewart Dominic Ethan, 24, a British national; Bibek Bastola, 40, from Pokhara; Chandra Bahadur Kunwar, 63, from Syangja; and Om Kumar Malla, around 40, from Tanahun, Engineer Thakuri, 30, from Dhading, Bishnu Maya Dhakal, 55, from Tanahun, Lopsang Gole, 42, from Kathmandu, Hari Prasad Sigdel, around 45, from Tanahun, and Nabindra Shrestha, 55, Palpa. Authorities are still confirming the identities of several others. The Prithvi Highway Bus Operators' Committee reported that the bus left Pokhara's Tourist Bus Park at 7:00 pm Sunday carrying 37 people, including the driver and staff. Additional passengers are believed to have boarded along the route, and authorities are verifying exact numbers. Police have confirmed that a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. The incident marks one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years on the Prithvi Highway, underscoring concerns over road safety and vehicle management in hilly regions.