Bus accident: One more succumbs to injury, toll reaches seven

sanjay Agarwal

RANGPO, : A day after six people lost their lives in a tragic bus accident near Bhotey Bhir, Rangpo side of West Bengal involving a Gangtok-Siliguri ‘Quality’ bus, a seventh victim died early this morning at STNM Hospital in Gangtok while under treatment.

The deceased, identified as 45-year-old Jaimuddin Ansari, a construction worker, had sustained critical injuries in the accident. Over 15 individuals were injured to varying extents and were rushed to medical facilities for treatment in Gangtok. Five people died on the spot, while Ansari and another person succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical care.

According to Kalimpong district authorities, four of the deceased were from Bengal, two from Sikkim and one from Bihar.

Authorities are closely monitoring the condition of the injured, many of whom remain hospitalized.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports point to possible mechanical failure or driver error, though, authorities said, further analysis will be conducted to determine the exact cause.  

The Kalimpong district magistrate informed that ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh would be provided to the families of the two victims of West Bengal.

The Kalimpong district magistrate also visited the accident site for assessing additional protection requirements.

On Monday, the PWD NH10, Police and RTO team will conduct a joint visit to assess the safety requirements at the identified vulnerable stretches of the highway.