Trisuli, Nepal—A passenger van plunged into the Trisuli River early this morning, resulting in the deaths of five people. The vehicle reportedly lost control on a sharp bend of the highway before tumbling down the steep embankment. Local villagers were the first to arrive at the crash site. They contacted emergency services as they attempted to reach the partially submerged wreckage.

Rescue teams from the Armed Police Force and local police units were deployed immediately to the location. The terrain near the river is notoriously difficult, making the extraction process slow. Divers were sent into the water to search for passengers trapped inside the cabin. Recovery operations continued for several hours under difficult weather conditions.

Five bodies have been recovered from the river so far. Officials believe there were no other occupants in the van, but a secondary search is being conducted downstream. The current of the river is strong, raising concerns that other victims may have been swept away. Authorities are coordinating with local communities to keep a lookout along the banks.

The highway remains partially blocked as cranes work to pull the mangled van out of the river. Traffic is being diverted to allow for the recovery of equipment and evidence. Investigators are currently checking the vehicle to determine if a mechanical failure caused the crash. The driver is among those confirmed dead.

Family members of the victims have begun arriving at the nearest hospital where the bodies were transported. The scene at the hospital is one of grief and confusion. Police are assisting the families with the identification process and paperwork. No further information regarding the origin or destination of the van has been released.

Road safety advocates have long criticized this stretch of the highway for its lack of proper barriers. Frequent accidents occur in this region during the monsoon season due to slippery road surfaces and poor visibility. The government has promised to review safety protocols for public transport vehicles operating on mountain routes. These promises have yet to result in major infrastructure changes.

Weather conditions at the crash site were reported as overcast with intermittent light rain. This likely hampered the efforts of the rescue teams operating on the steep slopes. The recovery is expected to finish before nightfall, provided the weather remains stable. The road will remain under restricted access until the wreckage is fully cleared.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution when navigating these mountain passes. The investigation into the incident will focus on whether the driver was speeding or if road conditions contributed to the loss of control. There is no indication of foul play at this time. The case is being handled as a standard road accident inquiry.