The jeep, carrying pilgrims to Khairabang Bhagwati Temple, skidded off a bumpy road and fell about 400 off the cliff along the Khairabang-Shrinagar sector.[break]
Police said Samjhana Mahar, 27 of Khalanga, Toran Kunwar, 36, of Syanikhal, Radhika Sijuwal, 14, of Khalanga, Mangala Khadki, 72, of Khalanga, her daughter-in-law Khunkumari Khadki, Bishal Bansnet, 7, of Saijuwal Takura along with a government employee Matrika Prasad Bhandari were killed.
Similarly, Prakash Chanda, 8, and Nisha Gurung, 14, of Khalanga, Rita Khadka, 16, of Saijuwal Takura, Bipin Basnet, 16, of Khalanga, Goma Basnet, 40, of Khalanga, Sharad Budhathoki, of Khairabang were injured. Five of the injured were rushed to Nepalgunj for treatment.
According to police DSP Ramprakash Shah, the accident occurred as the jeep was not in good condition and the road was bumpy.
"The jeep that met with accident was repaired recently," said he. "Besides, the road is very bump, which also caused the accident." The track of the road where the accident occurred was opened only last year.
Hundreds of pilgrims flock to Khairabang Baghawati temple on Ashtami of Chainte Dashain festival.
According to DSP Shah, those police personnel who were mobilized around Khairabang Baghawati temple for security of pilgrims rescued the accident victims.
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