Dadeldhura, June 17

Nine persons died on the spot and six others were seriously injured when a jeep bound for Bajhang’s Masta Rural Municipality from district headquarters Chainpur met with an accident in Dumri of Masta Rural Municipality, today.

The deceased have been identified as jeep driver Surendra Thapa and passengers Nayan Khadka, Dhauli Khadka, Juna Khadka, Bhakta Duwal, Laxmi Duwal, and Kalak Bahadur Khadka and his son Jundhara of Masta Rural Municipality. One person who died is yet to be identified, police said.

Sub-inspector Mahananda Joshi of Chainpur Ward Police Office said the accident might have occurred when the overloaded jeep went out of control and skidded off the road on a downhill stretch. The jeep is said to be stuck on a cliff.

“Six of the injured were rescued by security personnel with the help of locals. Rain and wind have made rescue difficult,” said the SI.

“As we don’t know for sure how many were on board the jeep, we don’t know if there are other people awaiting rescue,” said SI Joshi, adding that security personnel had searched the accident site till the evening in case there were more people to be rescued.

Personnel of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepali Army had reached the site from Chainpur to carry out rescue. According to Bajhang Chief District Officer Suresh Sunar, who reached the site after the accident today, a team of doctors from the district hospital had reached the site and provided first aid treatment.

“While three of the injured were airlifted to the District Hospital, as many were airlifted and sent to Kathmandu,” said the CDO.