As many as 19 accidents took place in Kathmandu Valley on New Year’s Eve, with one death.

A 45-year-old person was mowed down by a car in what police believe must be a case of drink driving in the wee hours on Wednesday. The identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained. He was hit by a Toyota car, according to police. The driver is at large.

Police said 14 persons were injured in road accidents on New Year’s Eve.

According to data maintained by the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD), number of accidents on Nepali New Year Eve has been somewhat steady since 2068, except in 2070 when the number was exceptionally high (90) compared to other years.

On the eve of New Year 2072, the number of accidents was 20 while it was 11 for 2071. Similarly, the number was 16 for 2069 and 11 for 2068.

“Drink driving and speeding are major causes of accident, especially when people go out and celebrate,” said Superintendent of Police Lokendra Malla.

The MTPD had deployed 200 traffic personnel at major thoroughfares of the Valley since 6pm Tuesday. They were on duty till 6am on Wednesday.

Thamel, Durbarmarg, Lazimpat in Kathmandu and Jhamsikhel in Lalitpur saw heavy presence of traffic police throughout the night. As many as 184 persons were booked in the Valley on charge of driving under influence.

According to SP Malla, no major injuries were reported though in the accidents that occurred on Tuesday night.

In 2072, according to MTPD statistics, road accidents claimed 117 lives while 195 people were seriously injured in Kathmandu Valley.