"At least seven persons died when a passenger bus they were traveling in met with an accident in Darbariyadanda area of Arghakhanchi district, some 300 km west of Kathmandu," the radio quoted Arghakhanchi District Police Office (ADPO) as saying.

A total of five passengers died on the spot, while two others died on the way to hospital.

A total of 38 other passengers were injured when the bus skidded off the road and fell some 200 meters below due to brake failure, the ADPO, local police office, said.

The injured are under going treatment at local Lumbini Zonal Hospital at Butwal city of neighboring Rupandehi district.

"Some of the injured are in serious condition," the radio reported.