Nepalgunj, September 24

At least five persons died and nine others were injured in separate road accidents that took place in Palpa and Jumla districts yesterday evening.

According to District Police Office, Jumla, three persons died and seven persons were injured when a pick-up van met with an accident at Hadasinja, Kanaka Sundari VDC in Jumla. The deceased have been identified as Dal Singh Bhandari and Tilak Kafle of Pandavgufa VDC, and Nau Sher Rawat of Malikathata VDC. Police said Bhandari and Kafle died on the spot while Rawat took his last breath while being rushed to hospital.

All the injured are receiving treatment in Jumla Teaching Hospital. Of the injured, the condition of one is said to be critical. The accident occurred after the van, which was heading towards Gamgadhi of Mugu from Sinja Gothijyu of Jumla, fell some 700 metres below the rough road into Tila Khola.

A passenger, who was sitting next to the driver, said the driver and the van owner jumped out of the van. Police said that they have been searching for the absconding driver and the van owner.

Similarly, two persons died on the spot and another one was injured after a private Scorpio Jeep met with an accident at Mashyam VDC in Palpa last night.

The deceased have been identified as Ram Prasad Pantha, 55, and Krishna Bhandari, 47, of Resunga Municipality. The accident occurred when the jeep, which was heading towards Butwal from Tamghas of Gulmi, fell some 100 metres below the road. Critically injured Devi Panthi, 58, of the municipality has been receiving treatment at Lumbini Medical College.

Police suspect that the accident might have occurred due to speeding.