BANKE, Oct 23: At least eight people were killed and five others seriously injured when a jeep plunged about 700 meters off the road at Jharmare, on the border between Baphikot Rural Municipality and Aathbiskot Municipality in Rukum West, on Friday afternoon.
Police said the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. The ill-fated vehicle (Ra 1 Ja 422) was traveling from Khanhala to Syalakhadi when it veered off the narrow mountain road and fell into a ravine.
Three people from outside West Rukum died in Aathbiskot
Local residents and security personnel have been carrying out rescue operations since the incident. “So far, eight bodies have been recovered. Efforts are underway to transport the injured to the nearest health facility,” said local youth Bijay Adhikari, adding that the steep terrain has made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
The driver, Topjang Budha, sustained serious injuries in the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest the jeep was carrying passengers beyond its seating capacity.
According to Rukum West Police, rescue operations have been given top priority and the injured have been taken to nearby health centers for treatment. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
