Two people died on Monday when a swollen Ratuwa River washed away a jeep in Chulachuli Rural Municipality-5 of Ilam district.

The jeep was heading to Damak from Larumba of the district.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Jabegu, who is also an information officer at the Ilam District Police Office, said they have retrieved the bodies of a woman and a boy so far.

He said the identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained, adding that it is still unclear how many people were on board the jeep.

“It is unclear how many people were in the jeep. Preliminary reports suggest the jeep was swept away while trying to cross the flooded river. Rescuers are yet to locate the submerged vehicle,” said DSP Jabegu.