Shillong: In a tragic accident, six people died and 16 others were injured after a Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) night bus they were traveling in plunged into the Ringdi river in the wee hours on Thursday.
The MTC night bus, with 22 passengers onboard, was reportedly travelling at a very high speed between Tura and Shillong when it skidded off the bridge at Nongchram and plunged into the Ringdi river soon after midnight. The accident happened 118 kms from Tura, along the border between East Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills.
Amid the rains, the bus was said to be travelling at an exceedingly high speed. The swollen river with a strong current is believed to have aided the accident, hampering rescue efforts later.
“Four bodies were brought out last night and another two have been found inside just now after the bus was lifted off the river by cranes,” said East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Bruno A Sangma, as quoted by The Shillong Times.
He added that one person is currently missing while search operations continues on the river.
The SP also confirmed that the bus was travelling at exceedingly high speed when it hit the railing of the bridge and toppled. Both the driver and the handyman are confirmed dead.
Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills District Swapnil Tembe told EastMojo that the bus was carrying 22 passengers.
“Six passengers died on the spot and 16 are injured. We are still trying to identify the 6 deceased but it can be said that they are from Garo Hills,” said Tembe.
The rescue team from Rongjeng and Williamnagar Fire and emergency services rushed to the accident site to help the victims.
According to a list collected from concerned counters, the bus had nine passengers who were travelling from Tura, while 12 others were travelling from Williamnagar.
“The injured have been shifted to the Rongjeng PHC for medical assistance. Attempts are on to save more lives,” the DC said.
Tembe said incessant rains led to a swollen river with strong current.
The police has asked concerned family members to contact Williamnagar police control for assistance – +91 8794765696.
Passengers travelling by the ill-fated bus have been identified as Dary Tariang (31), Emamanuel G.Momin (34), Suraia K Sangka, Nikchera T. Sangma (20), Edman pawa (38), Pukan Marak (34), Chigam Sangma (22), Chigatchi Sangma (21), Cheanbi M.Sangma (25), Darilang Lapasum (25), Changbath marak, Dimrimbal Ch. Marak (23), Baia Dkhar (29), Iakorin Slangpling (32), Ibolang Khurumboi (50), Tiukbok Lyngdoh (41), Traiwin R.Marak, Sengsrang, Larseng, T.M.Sangma and A Kharumnuid. The deceased, however, are yet to be identified.
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