KATHMANDU, MAY 1
The government has formed a probe committee to investigate the fatal jeep accident in Rolpa that claimed 20 lives on Thursday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs constituted a four-member committee under the coordination of a Superintendent of Police from the Lumbini Province Police Office, Tulsipur. The panel has been tasked with submitting its report within three days, identifying the causes of the accident, possible negligence, and recommending preventive measures.
The accident occurred at Salyap in Thabang Rural Municipality–1 when a jeep heading towards Jaljala from Rukum East plunged around 800 metres off a rural road. Police said all passengers were reportedly pilgrims travelling to attend a Baishakh Purnima fair.
According to the District Police Office, Rolpa, the death toll reached 20 after additional bodies were recovered during search and rescue operations. The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.
One person, Samir Kami, 32, of Sisne Rural Municipality–5 in Rukum East, was injured and is receiving treatment.
A rescue team led by Rolpa Police Chief Birendra Bishwokarma was deployed immediately after the incident. However, operations were hindered by difficult terrain and rainfall.
Expressing grief, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to ensure proper treatment for the injured and adequate relief to victims' families, while calling for stronger road safety measures.