RANGPO,: In a tragic series of road accidents within 24 hours, three individuals lost their lives, and ten others were injured across different parts of Sikkim.
The first accident occurred on Saturday evening, between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm, at Lamaten under Pakyong district.
A vehicle carrying six tourists and their driver, en route from Aritar to Rolep, met with a disastrous mishap. The accident claimed the lives of Shreenika Saymal, a 2.5-year-old girl, and her mother, Payal Syamal, both residents of West Bengal.
Three tourists and the driver sustained injuries, while one tourist escaped unharmed. The deceased were sent to Gangtok for postmortem, and the injured were evacuated to Gangtok for medical treatment. The United Silk Route Taxi Driver Association, along with local residents, played a pivotal role in rescue operations and ensured the safe transfer of the injured.
The second accident involved a truck that collided with an electric pole near Eco Paradise Mining, Rangpo. The collision resulted in injuries to the truck driver. Immediate assistance was provided, and further investigations are underway.
The third accident occurred early Sunday morning, around 4:30 am, at Tadong Bazaar in Gangtok. A Mahindra Bolero, traveling from Ranipool to Gangtok, lost control and collided with a parked truck. The accident claimed the life of Purna Kumar Chettri, a member of the Sikkim Scouts, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Five other passengers, including a woman, were injured and rushed to the nearby Central Referral Hospital, Manipal. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition.
These incidents highlight the rising concern of vehicle accidents, especially during the festive season. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving to prevent such tragedies. Police are actively investigating the causes of these accidents and are working to ensure road safety across the State.
