KATHMANDU: At least 13 people have lost their lives and 97 others sustained injuries in various road accidents across the country over a 24-hour period, according to official data released by the Nepal Police today.

The statistic published by the police highlights a troubling surge in highway and regional road mishaps spanning multiple provinces, with Madhesh Province and Koshi Province recording the highest casualties.

Specifically, Madhesh Province recorded the highest number of fatalities in a single province with 7 deaths and 20 injuries, while road mishaps in eastern Koshi Province claimed 2 lives and left 28 people injured, marking the highest number of injuries in the country within the 24-hour window.

Meanwhile, Lumbini Province reported 2 fatalities and 4 injuries, whereas Gandaki Province and the Kathmandu Valley recorded 1 fatality each.

Despite the low fatality count, the Kathmandu Valley saw a significant traffic safety impact with 20 people injured, compared to Gandaki Province which reported zero injuries.

In Bagmati Province, excluding Kathmandu, no fatalities were reported, but 9 people were injured in various vehicular accidents.

Similarly, no casualties were reported in either Sudurpashchim or Karnali provinces, though 10 people were injured in Sudurpashchim and 6 people were injured in Karnali, bringing the final national toll summary to 13 total fatalities and 97 total injuries.

Following the release of these grim statistics, traffic authorities have reiterated the critical importance of strict adherence to lane discipline, operating vehicles within designated speed limits, and conducting routine mechanical inspections to curb the high rate of highway accidents.

Police officials stated that detailed case-by-case breakdowns regarding specific accident locations and vehicle types are currently being compiled for further legal and safety review.