Nine individuals sustained injuries when a mini bus traveling from Kailali to Achham overturned in Surkhet district this morning.
The incident occurred around 10:30 AM in Lagam Dandamod, Panchpuri Municipality 3, when the vehicle lost control and flipped over.
The bus, registered under plate number Karnali Province 02-001 Ja 0844, was en route to Achham from Lamki in Kailali.
According to the District Police Office in Surkhet, all nine injured passengers were taken to Panchpuri Basic Hospital for treatment. Three suffered moderate injuries, while the other six were reported to be stable.
Three Passengers with Moderate Injuries
The three passengers with moderate injuries are 27 year old Jeebankala Bayak from Turmakhand Rural Municipality 6 in Achham, 25 year-old Hemanta Timilsina from Binayak Municipality 1 in Achham, and 20 year old Gopal Bogati from Lamkichuha Municipality 4 in Kailali.
They all sustained injuries to their heads and hands.
Timilsina was transferred to Provincial Hospital in Kalagaun, Surkhet for further treatment around 11:30 AM.
Six Others in Stable Condition
The remaining six injured passengers include three year old Samir Badi from Kailali, 41 year old Birkha Tamata and 20 year old Sharda Tamata from Thantikandh Rural Municipality 3 in Dailekh, 15 year old Niraj Bhandari from Kamalbazar Municipality 7 in Achham, 35 year old Dhiraj BK from Binayak Municipality 8 in Achham, and 20 year-old Shanti Bhandari from Lamkichuha Municipality 4 in Kailali.
According to the police, these six passengers suffered minor injuries and are in stable condition.
Additionally, ten other passengers, including children, were taken to the hospital for safety. They were later assisted in continuing their journey by the transport committee.
Police Searching for Driver
The police have identified the driver as 35 year old Bishnu Shahi from Binayak Municipality in Achham, who fled the scene after the accident.
Officers from Salkot Police Post and the Area Police Office in Babiyachaur arrived at the site to investigate.
Authorities are searching for the driver and examining the circumstances that led to the vehicle losing control.
The District Police Office in Surkhet has launched a further investigation into the incident.