Five dead, 24 injured in bus accident near Rangpo

sanjay Agarwal

RANGPO,: Five people died and 24 others were injured on Saturday when a passenger bus traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok met with an accident near Bhotey Bhir, about one km from Rangpo under Kalimpong district.

The bus lost control and fell approximately 50 feet into the river bank. Authorities informed that the injured passengers were initially treated at Rangpo primary health centre before being shifted to Singtam and Gangtok hospitals for further care. The bodies of the deceased were sent to STNM Hospital in Gangtok for post-mortem.

Among the deceased, two are residents of Sikkim, one from Paschim Asrampara, Sevoke Road and another from Jaldakha. The identity of one of the victims remains unknown.

The incident took place in the evening and the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

Teesta Rangit Rescue Team, West Bengal Police, Sikkim Police and local public worked together in a swift rescue operation to extract the victims and provide immediate medical assistance.

Chief Minister PS Golay expressed his sadness over the tragic bus accident that occurred near Bhotey Bhir.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families, wishing them strength, comfort, and a swift recovery,” posted the Chief Minister on his social media page.