Ten people died and five others were injured early on Thursday after a passenger electric vehicle plunged into a gorge in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-6 of Makwanpur district in central Nepal, Nepali media reported.

Source: Peoples' Review

The accident took place at around 5:45 a.m. at Chisapani Gadhi on the Bhimphedi–Kulekhani–Kathmandu road. The EV Hiace, registered as Ma. Pra. 03-001 Ja 0880, was travelling from Kathmandu towards Sarlahi when it veered off the road and fell approximately 500 metres down a steep slope.

Source: Peoples' Review

Police said the bodies recovered so far include those of three women, five men and two girls. Initial reports suggested that 14 to 15 people, including the driver, were travelling in the vehicle.

Source: Peoples' Review

Five people were injured in the crash. Four of the injured — two men and two children — are in critical condition, while another man is moderately injured, NTV World reported. The injured are receiving treatment at Hetauda Hospital.

Source: NTV World

Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel carried out rescue operations at the crash site, according to Makwanpur Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari.

Source: NTV World

The identities of those killed have yet to be confirmed. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and no official reason for the vehicle leaving the road has been given so far.

Source: Peoples' Review

What happens next

Authorities are working to establish the identities of all those killed and injured. Further official details are expected as the police investigation into the cause of the crash continues.