A PASSENGER bus heading towards Nepal's capital Kathmandu veered off a key highway and plunged into a river, killing at least 31 people and injuring 15.

The bus drove off the road early yesterday morning and into the Trishuli River, which is known for fast currents, said government administrator Shyam Prasad Bhandari.

Army rescuers and divers scoured the river searching for bodies still trapped in the wreckage, which was mostly submerged in the river. Only a small section of the wreckage was visible.

The bodies were pulled out from the site, about 50 miles east of Kathmandu.

"We have already pulled out 31 bodies, but we believe there could be more bodies trapped in the wreckage," Bhandari said.

Bhandari, who was co-ordinating the rescue effort, said the river currents were making it difficult for rescuers.

It was not clear how many people were on board the bus and rescuers were searching for more possible survivors despite the strong currents.

Bhandari said a preliminary investigation showed that the bus was speeding along the two-lane mountain highway, which is the main route connecting Kathmandu with most other parts of the Himalayan nation.

It is a busy route, with thousands of passenger vehicles and cargo trucks plying every day.

Road accidents in Nepal, which is mostly covered with mountains, are generally blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and road conditions.