MORANG: A couple died when a motorcycle they were riding on was hit by a tipper at Bayarban-9 along the East-West Highway in Morang, on Wednesday.

The deceased couple have been identified as Dhan Kumar Rai (45) and his wife Bishnu Maya (35), police informed. The duo were taking shelter at the Bhutanese refugee camp in Pathari Shanischare-8 of the district.

According to Pathari Area Police Office, motorcyclist Dhan Kumar died on the spot when the motorcycle (Ko 22 Pa 4384) travelling towards the east was hit by the tipper travelling from the opposite direction at around 6:30 am today.

Injured in the incident, Bishnu Maya was rushed to the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. However, she breathed her last while undergoing treatment there, police added.

Police are searching for the absconding driver and the vehicle.