Gangtok, February 15, 2024:In a heart-wrenching incident today, a vehicle bearing registration number SK-07P-2790 (Bolero) met with a fatal accident near Zuluk at approximately 4:30 pm. The tragic mishap occurred due to excess fog and fragile weather conditions in the Gangtok district. The passengers aboard the ill-fated vehicle were traveling from Pakyong via 17 Mile.
Regrettably, the accident claimed the life of one individual, identified as Hissey Lhamu Lepcha, while another passenger named Kushwant Subba, aged 24, is currently reported as missing. The visibility challenges caused by dense fog are believed to have contributed to the unfortunate incident.
The passengers involved in the accident were:
- Thupden Lhamu Sherpa, 33
- Sakuntala Sherpa, 58
- Hishey Lhamu Sherpa, 27 (deceased)
- Ajit Banya, 36
- Abay Chettri, 25
- Kushwant Subba, 24 (Missing)
Efforts are underway to locate and rescue Kushwant Subba, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The local community and authorities are extending their support to the affected families during this difficult time.
This tragic incident comes on the heels of another unfortunate event that transpired on February 10 in Ranipool, Sikkim’s state capital, Gangtok. Three individuals lost their lives, and 27 people sustained injuries when a tanker rammed into a public ground where a Mela (fair) was in progress.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the tanker’s brakes failed, resulting in the vehicle crashing into the Mela area and causing significant harm to attendees. As of now, it is unclear if there have been additional casualties. The injured individuals are receiving medical attention, and authorities are working diligently to assess the full extent of the situation.
These back-to-back incidents have cast a somber atmosphere over the region, prompting local authorities to reevaluate safety measures and road conditions, especially in light of unpredictable weather patterns. The community is coming together to support the affected families, and authorities are urging caution and vigilance on the roads during challenging weather conditions.
