13 Killed, 34 Hurt After Bus Carrying Wedding Guests Plunges Off Mountain Road in Nepal
A celebration turned into a devastating tragedy after a bus transporting wedding guests crashed off a steep mountain road in western Nepal, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more.
According to local authorities and multiple reports, the bus veered off the roadway near Budgaun village and plunged approximately 650 feet into a deep gorge. The area is located roughly 310 miles west of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
Police confirmed that 34 passengers were injured in the crash and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Several victims remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.
The Baitadi District Police Office said recovery efforts were immediately launched, with emergency crews working to retrieve bodies from the wreckage and transport survivors for medical care.
Bride and Groom Not on Bus
The bus was reportedly returning to the groom’s home village following the wedding ceremony. Authorities confirmed that neither the bride nor the groom was traveling on the vehicle at the time of the crash and were not injured.
Inspector Baldev Badu of the Baitadi District Police Office told local outlets that the youngest victim killed in the accident was just 13 years old. Six people were pronounced dead at the scene, while seven others later died from their injuries in hospitals.
The driver of the bus has been taken into police custody as part of the investigation, though officials have not yet announced whether formal charges will be filed.
Cause of Crash Under Investigation
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the bus to leave the roadway. Police say factors such as road conditions, mechanical failure, or driver error are being examined.
Mountain roads in Nepal are known for their sharp curves, narrow lanes, and lack of protective barriers, making travel especially dangerous — particularly for overcrowded or aging vehicles.
Similar Tragedies Raise Safety Concerns
The deadly incident echoes other recent transportation disasters involving wedding parties. In January 2025, a truck carrying wedding guests in Ethiopia plunged off a bridge, killing at least 71 people after missing a turn on a winding road.
Authorities continue to urge improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement for passenger vehicles operating in mountainous regions.
Police in Nepal say updates will be provided as the investigation continues.