In a harrowing late-night road accident, four individuals sustained critical injuries after a three-wheeled city rickshaw was struck head-on by an Indian-registered car along the East-West Highway in Mechinagar Municipality, Jhapa.

According to the District Police Office, the crash occurred at approximately 11:15 PM on Sunday near the Paliya Bridge in Mechinagar-7. An Indian vehicle bearing the license plate WB 74 AX 7828 was en route to Kakarbhitta from Dhulabari when it collided with a city rickshaw (Province 1-01-001 Ha 8091) approaching from the opposite direction.

The force of the collision sent the car crashing into the southern railing of the bridge, leaving both vehicles severely damaged and immobilized at the scene.

All four individuals inside the rickshaw — identified as Raju Rajbanshi, 28, the driver of the car and resident of Mechinagar-6; Birendra Sardar, 35; Sushil Rajbanshi, 31; and Bigen Rajbanshi, 30, all residents of Mechinagar-7 — sustained serious injuries. Authorities confirmed they are currently receiving treatment at B&C Hospital in Birtamod and remain in critical condition.

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that excessive speed and poor visibility may have contributed to the incident, although officials have not ruled out other factors.

"The wreckage remains at the scene as we conduct technical assessments," said a spokesperson for the District Police Office. "We're working to determine the full sequence of events and whether negligence or mechanical failure was involved."

The incident has once again raised concerns about nighttime driving safety and the vulnerability of slow-moving public vehicles, such as city rickshaws, on Nepal's major highways.