How the Chitwan EV-Microbus Accident Happened: A Closer Look

The tragic road accident in Chitwan’s Rapti Municipality-4, Daduwa, occurred on Saturday afternoon along the busy East-West Highway. Here’s a detailed look at how the incident unfolded:

How It Happened

A passenger bus (Province 1-01-001 Kha 3583) was traveling eastbound from Dhangadhi to Kakarbhitta, while an electric micro-vehicle (EV) (Bagmati Province 03-001 Ja 299) was heading westbound toward Narayangadh from Makawanpur. The two vehicles collided head-on near Daduwa, leading to a severe crash.

Casualties and Damage

• 7 people lost their lives, including 5 at the scene and 2 during treatment.
• 24 others sustained injuries, ranging from minor to critical.
• Both vehicles were heavily damaged.

Possible Cause

While the final report is yet to come, initial investigations by Chitwan police suggest two major possible reasons:

1. High speed – At least one of the vehicles was reportedly traveling too fast, making it difficult to react in time.
2. Brake failure – There is suspicion that the EV microbus may have experienced brake failure, which could have prevented the driver from stopping or avoiding the collision.

Witness Accounts and Road Impact

Eyewitnesses said the crash was sudden and powerful, with both vehicles’ front ends crushed. The scene quickly filled with locals and emergency responders.

• The highway was blocked for some time, causing delays.
• Traffic flow resumed shortly after authorities cleared the site.

Ongoing Investigation

Chitwan Police Chief Govinda Puri said a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. This includes checking driver behavior, vehicle condition, and technical faults.

Authorities are also looking into whether overloading or driver fatigue contributed to the crash.

This incident has again raised concerns about safety on Nepal’s highways, especially with growing traffic and long-distance travel.