Kathmandu, Tokha — Last night, a woman was safely rescued after a car plunged into the Bishnumati River in Tokha, Kathmandu. The strong current of the river had swept the car away, but thanks to the swift response of local police, the passenger was pulled out alive.
The incident occurred around 10:10 PM near the Grandee Hospital area in Tokha Municipality–6. According to preliminary reports, a private vehicle with the registration number Ba. Pra. 01–031 Cha 6141 veered off the riverside road and fell into the river after a section of the roadside terrain gave way, likely due to heavy rainfall.
Driver Escapes, Passenger Trapped Inside as Car Swept 1.5 km Downstream
The driver, 35-year-old Ankush Singh—originally from Shuklaphanta Municipality–1, Kanchanpur, and currently residing in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu—managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle just before it fell into the river. However, 34-year-old Bhawana Oli, a resident of Tokha and a native of Tulsipur, Dang, remained trapped inside the car.
Police said the continuous rainfall had caused the water level in the Bishnumati River to rise significantly. The force of the current carried the car approximately 1.5 kilometers downstream before it got stuck near the Baniyatar Bridge.
Upon receiving the emergency call, the Kathmandu District Police mobilized a team of around 45 personnel to carry out a search and rescue operation. The vehicle was located lodged near the bridge, and Oli was safely extracted from the car. She was immediately taken to Green City Hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition, according to police officials.
Vehicle Retrieved Amid Heavy Rain; Authorities Call for Caution
Despite the challenging weather conditions at night, a coordinated effort by rescue teams led to the vehicle being recovered from the river using a crane.
Superintendent of Police Deepak Giri, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that the car fell into the river while giving way to another vehicle.While giving way to another vehicle, the ground gave way and the car fell into the river.”
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities have urged both residents and drivers to remain vigilant in such vulnerable areas.
