The death toll in the Jajarkot bus accident that occured on Thursday has reached 26, inofrmed Jajarkot Chief District Officer (CDO) Krishna Chandra Poudel.

According to CDO Poudel, 15 people died on the spot when a passenger bus fell over a cliff at Bherimalika Municipality-4 along the Chhinchu-Jajarkot road section. 11 others breathed their last while undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, three passengers injured during the incident are in critcal condition and are receiving medical treatment ar Nepalgunj-based hospital.

The vehicle (Na 3 Kha 2279) swerved off the road and plunged 200 metres into Pasagadh stream. The bus had left for Khara Bazaar from Khalanga, the district headquarters of Jajarkot, at around 4pm. The incident site is about 5 km from Khalanga.

Security personnel reached the incident site and carried out a rescue operation with the help of local people.

While the cause of the accident is under investigation, high speed and carrying passengers beyond its capacity appear to be the main factor, said DSP Bhabesh Rimal.