TAPLEJUNG, April 21: A burst of raging fire suddenly engulfed a vehicle traveling toward the Pathibhara area of Taplejung, killing four people, including the driver, and injuring two others. Authorities transported the injured to Taplejung District Hospital for treatment.
Taplejung District Police Chief DSP Rabi Rawal confirmed the identities of the deceased as 16-year-old Aadhya Acharya of Ward No. 10, Lalitpur Metropolitan City; her maternal grandfather, 70-year-old Binod Paudel of Bhadrapur-15, Jhapa; his wife, 69-year-old Sarita Paudel; and the driver, 45-year-old Durga Bhattarai of Phuurumbu, Phungling Municipality-10, Taplejung.
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Authorities rushed 45-year-old Sabina Acharya of Lalitpur, mother of Aadhya, and her 10-year-old son Abhiyam Acharya to Taplejung District Hospital for treatment. Local health workers said Sabina suffered severe burns over a large portion of her body and needs advanced medical care. They have begun preparations to airlift her by helicopter for further treatment.
Although authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, preliminary assessments suggest that it may have started when a high-tension power line fell onto the vehicle. The incident occurred at Terse in the Pathibhara area, and the vehicle involved has the registration number Me 1 Ja 3011.
Further details are still awaited.
