At least 18 people have died after a bus travelling from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli river in Dhading early Monday.

The bus fell into the river at Chinadhara near Charaundi in ward 3 of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality at around 1:15am.

Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, Dhading Shishir Thapa said the death toll has reached 18.

Rajkumar Thakuri, chair of the Highway Rescue Management Committee, said 25 injured passengers have been sent to the hospital for treatment. The bus was carrying more than 35 passengers.

Personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and local residents are involved in the rescue operation. Authorities said the nighttime incident has made rescue efforts difficult. Further details are awaited.