Six people died and three others got injured when a car swerved off the road and plunged some 500 metres below at Simpani in Manebhanjyang Rural Municipality-6, Okhaldhunga, on Sunday.

The vehicle (Ba 16 Cha 2207) was en route to Kathmandu from Solukhumbu when the crash occurred. Police identified the deceased as Mingma Sherpa and his wife Soma Sherpa of Taplejung and Nurbu Sherpa, Nawang Sherpa, Sangela Sherpa and Numa Sherpa of Baudha in Kathmandu.

A girl of about eight years, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, sustained critical injuries in the crash.

The injured are receiving treatment at a hospital in Ghurmi of Udayapur district. Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushparaj Malla said preparation is on to bring the injured to Kathmandu.

Police suspect that over-speeding might be the cause of the accident.