Kathmandu, October 25

Kathmandu Valley recorded more road fatalities this Dashain compared to previous years.

According to Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, as many as 14 persons were killed in 276 accidents during a period of 15 days from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnuma.

During Dashain of 2017 and 2016, four and 10 persons were killed in 177 and 153 accidents respectively.

A person died after the motorcycle he was riding met with an accident in Tinkune, Kathmandu yesterday.

The last road casualty of this Dashain has been identified as Hari Bahadur Basnet, 51, of Bhimeshwor Municipality, Dolakha. Critically injured in the accident, he breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the Min Bhawan-based Civil Services Hospital.

Most of the accidents were blamed on speeding, and negligence of drivers and pedestrians during Dashain when the Valley roads are virtually deserted, said Senior Superintendent of Police Basant Pant, MTPD in-charge. MTPD had claimed to have made special security arrangements to reduce road accidents during Dashain.