Three people died and two others were injured after a jeep fell off a bridge into the Madi River at around 11:30pm on Saturday along the Prithvi Highway in Byas Municipality, Tanahun.

According to the District Police Office, Tanahun, the jeep heading to Chapaghat from Damauli broke through the railing of a bridge connecting wards 3 and 4 of the municipality and plunged into the river.

Police Inspector Raju Adhikari said there were five people on board. Two were injured in the crash and received first aid at Damauli Hospital. One of them, who is in critical condition, was referred to Pokhara for further treatment. The driver sustained minor injuries.

The deceased have been identified as Prabin Thapa Magar, 35, Kumar Thapa, 22, and Kushal Thapa, 20, all from ward 5 of Byas Municipality. All three died while undergoing treatment at Damauli Hospital.

Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and local residents assisted in rescuing the victims.

The District Police Office, Tanahun, said further investigation is underway.