16 die in Aruchal accident, CM announces ex-gratia

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, May 22: Aruchal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today expressed deep shocked over the deaths of 16 persons at Kalaktang in West Kameng district.

At least 16 people died on the spot, while another critically injured when the vehicle they were travelling, skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge on Rupa-Kalaktang road in West Kameng district.

The mishap occurred at around 12.30 PM when the Tata mobile pick-up truck was on its way to Betchelling Village, Power Minister T N Thongdok informed over phone.

Thongdok who represents the area, after hearing the news immediately proceeded to the spot to take stock of the situation.

“I am saddened to hear about the unfortute accident at Betchelling Village. I am in touch with administration and have apprised Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who has assured all possible relief. Now I am on my way to the Kalaktang.

Let us pray for peace of all departed souls. Condolence to families of the victims,” Thongdok said.It is reported that 16 persons were death and one person critically injured in the accident.

The chief minister announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakhs to the critically injured person.

Terming the accident as ‘unfortute’, Pul mourned the deaths and prayed for the eterl peace of the departed souls.

He prayed to almighty to bestow enough strength to the bereaved families to cope up with the irreparable losses and also pray for early recovery of the critically injured person.

Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa also expressed shock and grieved the loss of lives in the motor vehicle mishap.

Conveying his sincere condolence to the bereaved families, the governor prayed for eterl peace of the departed souls. He also prayed for early recovery of the injured person.