POKHARA: Fourteen persons have lost their lives when the jeep they were travelling on fell below the road at Badigaad Rural Municipality of Baglung district, today.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained. Among them, nine are women, four men and one child, informed Superintendent of Police (SP) Dipak Regmi, Spokesperson at Gandaki Provincial Police Office, Pokhara.

One passenger has gone missing, possibly after being swept away by the river, while three others have sustained injuries, said police.

The incident occurred at around 10:00 am when the jeep (Ga 1 Ja 5219) en route to Burtibang of Baglung from Gulmi district fell about 500 metres below the road into Badigaad river in Bhimgithe of Badigaad-7. It has been reported that the jeep was carrying relatives who were headed for a family worship.

Rescue operations are presently going on and further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.