Bus accident kills student, injures 23

TURA, APR 29: In a tragic bus accident a student of Class XII died and twenty-three others, including seven minors and six

women, were injured in a bus accident at Garobadha in West Garo hills Friday.

The incident took place around 7:45 am, when the bus was en route to Tura from Rajabala via Selsella. A total of 12 students had boarded the bus from Selsella, of which one died and others sustained critical injuries.

The student, who died in the incident, has been identified as Dijan M. Sangma, 20. Three minors aged between 4-5 years are amongst, those who have sustained critical injuries.

The bus bearing number – ML 08 A – 1046 had turned turtle at Modhupara area of Garobadha. The driver of the bus fled from the scene. The driver has been identified as Niben Sangma. Eyewitness to the incident, who had accompanied the victim at Tura civil hospital, said that the bus met with the accident due to “brake failure”.

Sushanto Koch, 25, a resident of Dalu has sustained multiple injuries and has been referred to Guwahati for further treatment. A total of seven are admitted at the hospital and are undergoing treatment.

The absence of doctors at Garobadha PHC has irked civil organisations including Garo Students Union (GSU), A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) and Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), who have demanded immediate suspension of doctors.

The incident led to ruckus at Garobadha PHC with angry mob vandalizing the ambulance parked at the PHC. The locals and NGOs wanted to immediately shift the victims to Tura but due to absence of ambulance driver, the patient could be brought to Tura only around 9 am.

Later authorities informed that the ambulance driver had gone on leave two days ago without prior permission. Garobadha is about 34 km from Tura.-From Our Correspondent