A passenger bus met with an accident in Shivaraj Municipality-1, Banakasbasa, along the East-West Highway on Saturday morning, leaving one person dead and 36 others injured.

According to the District Traffic Police Office, the bus (Na 8 Kha 5703), en route to Kathmandu from Dhangadhi, crashed at around 6 am.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Ripendra Singh confirmed that one woman lost her life in the accident, though her identity has not yet been established. Among the injured, four are reported to be in critical condition.

Police said 15 moderately and severely injured passengers received primary treatment at a health facility in Chandrauta before being referred to Butwal for further care.

The accident occurred on a relatively simple curve of the highway. Police suspect the driver may have dozed off behind the wheel, given the early morning timing.