Kathmandu – At least 124 people were killed and 2,988 injured in road accidents across Nepal during the Dashain festival period, according to Nepal Police Headquarters.
Central Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Abinarayan Kafle said 1,339 road accidents were recorded between Ashoj 25 and Kartik 8. Those killed included 83 men, 39 women, seven boys and five girls. Of the injured, 437 suffered serious injuries and 2,551 minor injuries. The number of accidents was lower than last year’s Dashain, when 1,492 were recorded.
Koshi Province recorded the highest number of accidents at 397, while Madhesh Province had the fewest at 80. There were 171 accidents each in the Kathmandu Valley and Karnali Province, 161 in Lumbini, 150 in Sudurpaschim, 112 in Bagmati (outside the valley) and 97 in Gandaki.
Motorcycles were involved in the largest share of accidents, with 1,552 motorcycles involved. Other vehicles included 337 jeeps and cars, 207 tempos, 71 trucks and tankers, 64 microbuses, 54 buses, 38 tractors, 15 tippers, 10 dozers, excavators and loaders, and 133 other vehicles.
Police also took action against 5,703 drivers for breaking traffic rules during the festival. Drink driving accounted for 2,794 cases, followed by 1,882 for overloading passengers and 746 for speeding. Other violations included 88 for failing vehicle fitness standards, 73 for carrying passengers on rooftops, 58 for overcharging fares and 53 for driving under the influence of drugs.
Kafle said special arrangements were made for passenger safety as long-distance public transport saw heavy demand during the festival. Under its festival security plan, police set up 408 passenger help desks across the country, including help desks at 108 points along international border crossings. Police also ran traffic awareness programmes and used technology to manage vehicle movement.
With Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath approaching, police said they are implementing a special plan to reduce accidents and ensure safe travel during the upcoming festivals.
