Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Jeep Accident in Nepal's Rolpa District

At least 17 people died when a jeep skidded off a hilly road in Nepal's Rolpa district, plunging 700 meters into a gorge. The vehicle was traveling to the Baisakh Purnima festival when it slipped on muddy terrain amid rain. Rescue efforts are hindered by bad weather.

A tragic accident struck Nepal's Rolpa district on Thursday when a jeep veered off a steep road and plunged around 700 meters into a gorge, claiming the lives of at least 17 people. Local police confirmed the incident occurred in Jaljala area of Thawang rural municipality.

The vehicle, a private jeep hired by locals, was en route to the Baisakh Purnima festival scheduled for Friday. Slippery conditions due to rainfall contributed to the vehicle sliding on a muddy strip of the road before it fell down the hillside, according to police insights.

Despite ongoing rescue operations, heavy rain continues to complicate efforts, with authorities uncertain about the total number of passengers onboard during the incident. Police Inspector Sunil Thapa Nepali emphasized the challenges currently faced in managing the rescue mission amid persistent adverse weather conditions.