Two Survive as Tractor Plunges into Maiwa Khola in Taplejung

Two men narrowly escaped serious injury or death early Monday after an unnumbered tractor veered off an approach to a bridge and plunged approximately 15 meters into a river in eastern Nepal.

The accident took place at around 4:30 am on 7 September 2026 near Dobhan Bazaar in Meringden Rural Municipality-3, Taplejung district. The vehicle had been traveling from Hangpang in Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipality toward the Arun Veneer facility when it lost control and tumbled into the Maiwa Khola.

Both occupants survived by swimming out of the fast-flowing water shortly after impact, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Kamal Bajgain of the Taplejung District Police Office.

The driver, identified as Samir Baraili of Maiwakhola Rural Municipality-1, has established contact with authorities and confirmed that his passenger also emerged safely from the riverbed. Police officials noted that efforts are underway to bring the passenger in for formal questioning and verification.

A response unit headed by Police Inspector Bindeshwar Yadav was deployed to the scene immediately after the incident was reported to assess vehicle recovery options and secure the perimeter.

Investigators have initiated a formal inquiry into the precise cause of the crash, including whether mechanical failure, low visibility during the pre-dawn hours, or road conditions near the bridge contributed to the plunge.