21 injured in school van accident in Jhapa

A school van accident in Khuttidangi, Mechinagar-9 of Jhapa injured 21 people, including school children, teachers, and the driver.

The van, with the number plate Me 1 Ja 3107 from Parijat Public School, was coming from Magurmadi towards the school when the driver lost control and crashed.

According to Superintendent of Police Rajan Limbu, the accident happened about 4 km north of the local police station. After the incident, a team led by Inspector Pandav Kumar Rajbanshi was sent from Dhulabari. With help from locals, police rescued the injured children, teachers, and support staff.

Among the injured, three students are in moderate condition, while most others have only minor injuries.

Police confirmed that the driver had a valid license and was not drunk at the time. However, the van was found to be in poor technical condition.

Many parents have raised concerns that old and poorly maintained vehicles used by both public and private schools in Jhapa are putting children’s lives at risk.

Locals have called on the authorities to regularly check school vehicles, ensure proper maintenance, and hire trained drivers.