RANGPO: While receiving treatment at STNM Hospital in Gangtok, a seventh victim passed away earlier yesterday, one day after six others perished in a horrific bus accident involving a Gangtok-Siliguri "Quality" bus in Bhotey Bhir, Rangpo side of West Bengal.
Jaimuddin Ansari, a 45-year-old construction worker, was the deceased. He suffered serious injuries in the mishap. More than 15 people were hurt with different kinds of injuries and taken to Gangtok's hospitals for treatment. Ansari and another person passed away from their wounds while undergoing medical attention, while five people died instantly.
Four of the dead were from Bengal, two were from Sikkim, and one was from Bihar, according to Kalimpong district officials.
Many of the injured are still in the hospital, and authorities are keeping a careful eye on their status.
To find out what caused the accident, an investigation is being conducted. Although preliminary investigations suggest a potential driver error or mechanical breakdown, authorities stated that additional investigation will be carried out to pinpoint the precise cause.
The relatives of the two West Bengal fatalities will get ex-gratia payments of Rs. 2 lakh, according to the Kalimpong district magistrate.
In order to determine the need for further protection, the Kalimpong district magistrate also paid a visit to the accident scene.
To evaluate the safety needs at the designated vulnerable sections of the highway, the PWD NH10, Police, and RTO team will jointly visit on Monday.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: