Tragic forest fire claims lives of three Nepali Army personnel in Dolpa

DOLPA:  A devastating forest fire incident at Masta community forest in Thulobheri Municipality-4 of Dolpa district has resulted in the loss of three brave Nepali Army personnel, according to the District Police Office, Dolpa.

The deceased are identified as Hemanta Rawal, 28, hailing from Tatopani Rural Municipality-4 in Jumla and serving at the Devidutta Battalion in Dunai, Dolpa; Keshav Bahadur Magar, 38, from Kavrepalanchowk district; and Ashish Budha, 23, from Humla district, as confirmed by Chief District Officer (CDO) Tulsi Prasad Dahal in Dolpa.

Tragically, Rawal passed away on Monday while receiving medical treatment at the District Hospital, while Magar succumbed to his injuries at the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, added CDO Dahal.

Bijay Koirala, 30, another victim of the incident, is currently undergoing treatment in Kathmandu.

The body of the deceased Rawal was airlifted to his hometown in Jumla on Tuesday, as informed by the District Police Office, Dolpa.

The unfortunate event unfolded when the Nepali Army personnel were battling the raging fire on Monday. Despite their valiant efforts, the situation turned dire when gusty winds caused the fire to rapidly approach them while they were positioned in a stream, resulting in their grievous injuries.