Tragic Accident in North Sikkim: Tourist Vehicle Plunges into Teesta River

Gangtok, May 30 (PTI) A tragic accident in North Sikkim's Mangan district has left one person dead, two critically injured, and eight others missing after a vehicle carrying 11 tourists plunged into the Teesta river, as reported on Friday by the police. The mishap occurred when the tourist vehicle fell over 1,000 feet into the river near Munsithang, along the Lachen-Lachung highway, on Thursday night. Two critically injured individuals have been rescued and one body has been recovered from the site.

Eight tourists still remain unaccounted for, according to Superintendent of Police, Mangan, Sonam Detchu Bhutia. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred on the night of May 29 near Chubombu, Mangan district, where a tourist vehicle fell into the Teesta river while traveling from Lachen to Lachung. My heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time."

Chief Minister Tamang assured that immediate rescue operations commenced under the supervision of SP Mangan, with the committed efforts of the police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), fire and medical teams, along with local volunteers. He confirmed that the two rescued individuals are receiving medical care, and highlighted that the search continues with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams participating in the ongoing efforts.

"Our government is fully committed to extending all possible support to the victims and their families," stated the Chief Minister. "We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that every necessary resource is deployed for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Let us stand united in this hour of grief and extend our support to those affected," he added.

Further information regarding those deceased, injured, and the cause of the accident is still awaited. Authorities have cordoned off the area and have advised tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel along this route until further notice, the police mentioned.

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