Kathmandu - At least nine people were killed and nearly two dozen others injured in a tractor accident in south-western Nepal, police said Monday.

The accident happened in Kapilvastu district, about 200 kilometres south-west of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, early Monday morning.

The tractor, which was tugging a trailer carrying passengers, lost control, overturned and crushed the victims, police said.

Nine people died instantly while 23 others injured in the accident were rushed to hospital, many in serious condition, police said.

Most of the victims were pilgrims on their way to a river confluence in the district to take a holy dip as part of a Hindu ritual.

Police they were investigating the cause of the accident.

Hundreds of people are killed each year in Nepal in road accidents, blamed on overcrowding and disregard for traffic safety rules. (dpa)