The former health secretary, Dr Dorji Wangchuk, and his wife died when the Ford EcoSport he was driving veered off about 300ms below the Thimphu-Paro Highway in Khariphu yesterday afternoon.

According to an official from the Thimphu police traffic division, the incident happened at 2:50pm and there were three passengers in the car.

“The former health secretary died on the spot while his wife died after reaching Gidakom hospital,” the official said. “Their 13-year-old granddaughter sustained minor injuries and she is in the stable condition.”

He said police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Staff reporter