A couple died when a bus hit a motorbike at Suklaphant Municipality-5 in Kanchanpur district on Tuesday.

Basanta BK and his wife Mina BK, of Basauti-5 in Kailali, died after a motorbike (Se 1 Pa) they were riding was hit by a bus (Na 3 Kha 3955) coming from the opposition direction nearby Bansamiti. Basanta died on the spot while his wife was rushed to Mahakali Zonal Hospital where she was declared dead, Police Inspector Mohan Saud said.

“They were returning after offering prayer at Purna Giri Temple,” said Inspector Saud. “The bus was also carrying Purnagiri bound passengers.”

Police have impounded the bus but the driver has fled the scene.

Initial police investigation has shown that the accident could have occurred when the bus was attempting to overtake another vehicle. Locals also said the mishap happened after the bus tried to overtake.