KATHMANDU: A fatal accident occurred this morning in Kantar, Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality-3, Gorkha, when a microbus plunged off the road, resulting in one death and 14 injuries. The incident took place around 11:25 am when the electric microbus, marked as "Untested," was returning from Manakamana Temple. The vehicle lost control on a gravel road and fell approximately 15 meters down a slope.

The deceased has been identified as Padam Bahadur Darji, a 37-year-old resident of Tandi Parsa, Khairahani Rural Municipality-2, Chitwan. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Aanbukhaireni Hospital. 

The injured passengers include Ritesh Pariyar (10), Sandhya Pariyar (13), Suvana Pariyar (18), Sanchita Ale (20), Abhishek Pariyar (21), Rupa Pariyar (25), Anisa Pariyar (26), Geeta Pariyar (29), Raju Pariyar (31), Pramila Rana (35), Arjun Pariyar (36), Bimala Pariyar (43), and Harikala Pariyar (50). All are alleged to be from the same locality and are currently being treated at Aanbukhaireni Hospital.

The inquiry is in progress but determination of the actual cause of the catastrophe is still yet to be ascertained. An investigation has been initiated by the Police in order to ascertain the reasons behind the collision.

It raises doubts regarding the conditions of the roads in the area as well as the safety of untested vehicles. Authorities are expected to investigate both matters as part of the ongoing investigation.