KATHMANDU: A prison office van transporting detainees collided with a motorcycle in Rukum West on Thursday evening, killing an 18-year-old passenger and seriously injuring the rider.
The deceased has been identified as Nivas Bohora, 18, originally from Aathbiskot Municipality-8 and currently residing in Math, Musikot Municipality-1, according to Rukum West District Police Chief DSP Bed Bahadur Paudel. Bohora was riding pillion on the motorcycle.

The rider, Ganesh Shahi, 20, of Aathbiskot Municipality-10, sustained critical injuries. After initial treatment in the district, he was referred overnight to Neuro Hospital in Nepalgunj, Banke, where he is undergoing treatment.

Police have detained the van driver, Tek Bahadur Pun, 51, of Rawatkhet, Musikot-2.
The accident occurred at around 7:45 pm on Thursday along the Mid-Hill Highway at Tabale, Musikot Municipality-8. The van, bearing registration Ba.Pra. 03001 Cha 3956, belonged to the Rukum West District Prison Office and struck a motorcycle with registration Ka.Pra. 03-001 Pa 0768.

According to police, the prison vehicle was returning to Rukum West after taking detainees to the Rukumkot District Court in Rukum East for witness statements, while the motorcycle was travelling in the opposite direction. Police said they had requested the rider’s driving license, but family members had not yet been able to produce it.

Preliminary findings suggest that the motorcycle was speeding and had moved into the wrong lane before colliding with the van, although further investigation is ongoing.