Key Takeaways:
- Kathmandu-bound bus collided with Dang-bound bus while overtaking a truck
- 21 injured admitted to Chitwan Medical College, 9 to Old Medical College
- Highway had reopened hours earlier after landslide-related closure
- Officials warn of congestion and accidents when traffic resumes post-closures
Thirty people were injured, one critically, in a collision involving two passenger buses and a truck at Jalbire along the Narayangadh–Muglin road section on Sunday morning.
Police said the accident occurred when a bus travelling from Narayangadh direction to Kathmandu attempted to overtake a truck (Bagmati Province 03-001 Kha 1671) and collided with an oncoming bus (Lumbini Province 03-001 Kha 0505) bound for Dang. The Kathmandu-bound bus (Madhesh Province 03-002 Kha 732) had originated from Sarlahi.
According to the District Police Office, 21 of the injured are undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College, while nine others have been admitted to Old Medical College. One victim remains in serious condition.
The highway had reopened at 6 am Sunday after being closed overnight due to landslide risks. Officials noted that congestion and accidents often occur shortly after reopening, as vehicles rush to clear queues and fail to maintain lane discipline.
The Road Division Office has urged motorists to drive within designated lanes and maintain controlled speeds, particularly during the monsoon season. Traffic movement was briefly disrupted following the collision but resumed after the damaged vehicles were removed.