At least one person was killed and eight are missing after a tourist vehicle skidded off a hilly road in Sikkim on Thursday night. The vehicle fell nearly 1,000 ft into the Teesta River below.
The accident occurred between Chungthang and Munsithang in North Sikkim between 7 PM and 8 PM on May 29. The area is known for its winding roads and scenic but treacherous terrain. According to locals, the vehicle was carrying 10 tourists and one driver, all of whom were returning from Gurudongmar to Gangtok when the accident occurred.
Out of the 10 people, two have been rescued so far. Although the identities of the tourists have not been confirmed yet, the passengers are believed to be from West Bengal and Odisha.
Rescue teams acted swiftly, taking the injured to the primary health centre in Chungthang before transferring them to the district hospital in Mangan for more advanced care. As night fell, the search for the remaining eight missing individuals pressed on, with efforts led by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sikkim Police and the Mangan District Administration.
The rescue operation continues under challenging circumstances.
This is not the only road accident to occur in the Himalayan state this year. On January 16, five people were killed after a car skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Sikkim's Gyalshing district. The vehicle with five people on board rolled down the hill at Ratomatey Cliff and crashed into a gorge 500 ft below. All five bodies were recovered.
Furthermore, landslides are a common occurrence in Sikkim due to incessant rainfall during the monsoon months.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cancelled travel plans to the state, citing bad weather.
āI was eagerly awaiting my Sikkim visit but unfortunately, the weather did not permit it. I did, however, address the programme virtually and expressed my greetings to the people. We will keep working hard for the progress of Sikkim in the times to come,ā he said on X.
He was slated to visit Sikkim on May 29, to mark the 50th anniversary of obtaining statehood on May 16, 1975.
Use reputable services: Choose licensed taxis and tour operators to ensure safety when travelling in the state.
Be flexible with travel plans: Be ready to change your plans as roads can become impassable.
Check weather updates: Stay informed about daily weather forecasts from the weather service and local authorities for warnings and updates.
Travel early: Start your day early to avoid late afternoon rains and increased landslide risk.
Pack an emergency kit: Carry a small emergency kit with essentials like water, snacks and a flashlight.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)
