KATHMANDU: Ganesh Nepali, a 25-year-old ride-sharing rider originally from Mugu, is in critical condition at Bir Hospital after attempting self-immolation outside Gate 3 of the Department of Passport in Tripureshwar, Kathmandu.

The incident occurred around 1:45 PM on Thursday after Kathmandu Metropolitan City police reportedly locked his motorcycle’s wheel following a verbal altercation over parking.

In response, Nepali extracted petrol from his motorcycle’s fuel tank, poured it over himself, and set himself on fire.

Nearby police personnel acted quickly to douse the flames with water and rushed him to the hospital.

According to the hospital, Nepali sustained severe burns covering nearly 60% of his body, heavily impacting his face, head, neck, chest, and arms.

Although initially able to speak, his condition deteriorated rapidly at the hospital, and he has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Doctors note that the first 24 to 72 hours remain highly critical due to extreme risks of infection, respiratory complications and fluid loss.