What Caused the Tragic Vehicle Accident in Darjeeling?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities reported in Darjeeling vehicle accident.
- 16 individuals sustained serious injuries.
- Investigation initiated to determine the cause.
- Road conditions cited as a contributing factor.
- Previous similar incidents raise concerns about safety.
Kolkata, Oct 22 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when four individuals lost their lives and 16 others sustained serious injuries after a vehicle filled with passengers plunged into a gorge near Mirik in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, according to an official report.
Abhishek Roy, the Additional Superintendent (Kurseong), confirmed the fatalities, revealing that of the deceased, three were from Nepal and one hailed from Naxalbari in the Darjeeling district.
“We have reached out to the families of both the deceased and the injured. The vehicle involved in the accident has been retrieved, and an inquiry is currently underway to ascertain the cause of the mishap,” he mentioned.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while the 16 injured individuals are receiving treatment at the nearby Naxalbari Hospital, with some being in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle, which was carrying approximately 20 passengers, fell into the gorge after the driver lost control. Three passengers died instantly, while the fourth succumbed shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Local residents initiated the first rescue efforts, later joined by police from the local station.
The condition of the roads where the accident occurred is reportedly poor. Residents have stated that road conditions deteriorated following recent floods and landslides that affected the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of northern Bengal earlier this month. Repair work on many damaged roads in the area remains incomplete, according to locals.
A similar incident occurred last week in Pankhabari, also in the Darjeeling district, where a passenger-laden vehicle fell into a ditch, resulting in two fatalities.