Kathmandu: Three people, including a mother and child, died in a Tata Sumo accident in Harkapur, Okhaldhunga, last night.

The accident occurred at Manebhanjayang 7 Bhandarekhola on the Siddhicharan Highway.

The victims have been identified as Mayadevi Gurung, 56, of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-3, Khotang; her son Pujan Gurung, 28; and Tara Gurung, 45.

According to Inspector Sanju Karki of the District Police Office, Khotang, Mayadevi and Pujan were mother and son, though the exact relationship between Tara Gurung and the others has not been confirmed.

However, DSP Krishna Khadka of the District Police Office, Okhaldhunga, clarified that Tara was Mayadevi’s sister.

The accident occurred as Tara, 45, from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-12, was returning to Kathmandu for medical treatment after suffering injuries in a home fire.

The Tata Sumo, driven by 22-year-old Anil Pandit from Inaruwa Municipality-2, Sunsari, veered off the road and fell about 100 meters.

Pandit is reported to have fled the scene, and police are searching for him.

Inspector Karki explained that Tara had initially received treatment at Khotang District Hospital for burn injuries.

After doctors recommended further treatment in Kathmandu, she and her relatives rented the Tata Sumo for the journey when the accident occurred.

The crash was reported to police only at 8 a.m. on Thursday. When the police arrived at the scene, they found the bodies of the three victims. The exact time of the accident remains unclear.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.