On Saturday morning, a tragic road accident occurred at Khaharepul in Rapti Municipality–4, Chitwan, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The collision between a passenger bus and an electric microbus left 18 others injured. The accident took place at approximately 10:15 AM.
The passenger bus (registration number: Province 1–01–001 Kha 3583) was traveling from Dhangadhi to Kakarbhitta, while the electric microbus (registration number: Bagmati Province 03–001 Ja 299) was coming from Makwanpur to Narayanghat when the two vehicles collided.
According to police, two of the seven deceased have been identified. They are 55-year-old Som Prasad Rupakheti from Hatiya–3, Makwanpur, and 53-year-old Maiya Kumari Nyaupane Pahadi from Hetauda–5. The other victims include two women aged around 18–25, a 35-year-old pregnant woman, and two men aged 23 and 40, whose identities have yet to be confirmed.
Among those seriously injured, five died during treatment at Bharatpur Hospital, while two others died at the Old Medical College. The remaining 18 injured individuals are receiving treatment at various hospitals, with doctors reporting that some are in critical condition.
The accident caused a temporary disruption of traffic on the affected section of the East-West Highway. However, thanks to the prompt response of police, local residents, and rescue teams, the road was reopened shortly afterward.
Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed or brake failure may have contributed to the accident. A detailed investigation is ongoing, according to the Chitwan Police.
