On Thursday evening, a devastating accident in Rolpa District resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals when a jeep carrying pilgrims fell off a cliff. According to reports from local authorities, the incident occurred in Thabang Rural Municipality as the vehicle lost control on a precarious ridge road, plunging approximately 800 meters into a gorge.

The passengers were en route from Rukum East to Jaljala to participate in rituals for the full moon. Sunil Thapa Nepali, an information officer at the Rolpa District Police Office, confirmed that rescue operations are currently in progress, with police and local residents actively involved in the recovery efforts.

Authorities believe that the slippery conditions of the road, exacerbated by recent rainfall, may have contributed to the vehicle's loss of control. Ganga Bahadur Chhetri, the Chief District Officer of Rolpa, stated that emergency personnel were dispatched immediately upon receiving news of the tragedy. More information will be provided as rescue and recovery operations continue.