Two people, including a 12-year-old girl, lost their lives and 22 others sustained injuries after a pickup van overturned in Bharwaliya village, Lumbini Cultural Municipality–7, on Monday evening.
According to the District Police Office, Rupandehi, the accident occurred at Shivgadhiya bend when a speeding pickup van (Lu 1 Cha 2763) lost control and overturned. The deceased have been identified as Asmita Yadav, 12, of Shivpurwa in Gaidhawa Rural Municipality–1, and Janmati Yadav, 48, of Manmateriya in Shuddhodhan Rural Municipality–6.
Police said the pickup van was carrying 24 passengers returning home after performing a Mundan (head-shaving) ritual at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini.
Among the injured, three are receiving treatment at Life Care Hospital in Lumbini, while 19 others are undergoing care at Universal College of Medical Sciences in Ranigaun, Bhairahawa, according to the Area Police Office, Lumbini.
Eyewitness Sandip Gupta said the van was moving at high speed and overturned while navigating a sharp turn.
Police have taken the driver, 26-year-old Ashok Pasi of Bithuwa in Shuddhodhan Rural Municipality–4, Kapilvastu, into custody for further investigation.
District Police Office spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Suraj Karki stated that the vehicle, typically used for transporting goods, was overloaded beyond its capacity, which contributed to the accident.
