KATHMANDU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

The wreckage of a bus is seen on the bank of the Trishuli River after it drove off a mountain highway near Benighat, west of the capital, Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (Photo: AP)

One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident.