An 81-year old female Indian tourist died on impact when the Wagon R taxi she was travelling in veered off the road at Wokulum above Thinleygang on the Thimphu-Punakha highway around 2pm on April 11.

The deceased was travelling with a 78-year old female friend from Thimphu to Punakha when the incident occurred. The two were from South Delhi and on a short visit to Bhutan, sources said.

The taxi driver and her friend suffered injuries and were immediately referred to Bajothang hospital and then to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.

Police sources said that since no speed or break marks were found on the accident spot, and the road was wide and in good condition, they suspect that the driver might have fallen asleep.

The body was handed over to the family yesterday.

Staff reporter