Phidim, February 12:

Fourteen policemen were hurt, three critically, when a police truck heading towards Panchthar from the Armed Police Force Battalion in Damak of Jhapa district met with an accident at Phidim-9 Lalikharka last evening.

It is reported that the accident occurred when the brakes of the truck failed. The truck was carrying 40 APF constables to set up a security base camp for the CA poll.

APF constables Miran Rai, Durga Katuwal and Anta Kumar Dhimal were critically hurt in the mishap and have been sent to Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences for treatment, while Ram Kumar Katuwal, Durga Katel and Amit Tudu were admitted to Panchthar district hospital.

DSP in Panchthar, Tarani Lamsal, said the locals and police personnel rescued the injured policemen. Most of those injured suffered wounds in the head and back, he added.