SINDUHLI/OKHALDHUNGA, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 – A devastating road accident involving a passenger bus traveling from Okhaldhunga to Kathmandu has left at least five people dead and 19 others injured. The accident occurred early Sunday morning, February 8, along the Mid-Hill Highway at Kuibhirdanda, located in Phikal Rural Municipality-4 of Sindhuli district.
The ill-fated bus (registration details being finalized by authorities) reportedly lost control while navigating a difficult stretch of the highway. Preliminary investigations by the District Police Office suggest that a brake failure on the steep, winding descent was the primary cause of the tragedy.
The Incident and Rescue Operations
The bus was carrying passengers primarily from Okhaldhunga and surrounding districts who were returning to the capital. At approximately 8:00 AM, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a retaining wall at high speed.
Immediate Casualties: Five passengers died on the spot due to the severity of the impact. The identities of the deceased are currently being verified, though police confirmed they include both male and female passengers.
The Injured: Nineteen passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. Local residents and security personnel from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) reached the site within an hour to initiate rescue efforts.
Medical Response: The injured were rushed to the Khurkot Hospital for emergency treatment. According to medical staff, four individuals remain in critical condition and may be airlifted to Kathmandu for specialized care if their status does not stabilize.
History of Accidents in the Region
This section of the Mid-Hill Highway, connecting Okhaldhunga to Sindhuli, has recently seen a spike in traffic and, consequently, road mishaps. Local authorities have frequently cited mechanical failures and over-speeding as major concerns for long-route buses operating in the hilly terrain.
Okhaldhunga District officials expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a profound tragedy for our community. We are working closely with the Sindhuli administration to ensure all survivors receive the best possible medical attention,” stated a local representative.
Current Status
The driver of the bus is currently under police supervision while receiving treatment for minor injuries. A formal case is expected to be filed once the preliminary technical report on the vehicle’s condition is submitted. Traffic on the Mid-Hill Highway was briefly obstructed during the rescue but has since returned to normal operations.