Agartala, Jan 12: A morning journey turned into a nightmare for 32 passengers when their bus careened off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near a church at Saika Bari area in Tripura’s Dhalai district with the driver and contractor trapped in the wreckage as rescue operations swung into action.
According to official sources, the bus registered as TR-01C-1481 was traveling from Agartala to Kailashahar when the accident took place early Monday morning.
“The bus lost control while negotiating a sharp curve near the church after crossing Saika Bazaar and fell into the deep gorge,” an injured passenger reportedly stated, alleging that excessive speed was the primary cause of the mishap.
It is learned that Fire & Emergency Services personnel and local administration promptly arrived at the scene and rescued the trapped driver identified as Chandan Roy, and conductor Uttam Dasgupta after considerable effort. Both sustained critical injuries in the accident. As many as 18 passengers suffered injuries of varying degrees.
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Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha took cognizance of the incident and directed the administration to remain fully alert in managing the situation. “No deficiency will be left in the treatment of the injured,” he assured while wishing speedy recovery to all victims through social media.
According to Dr. Saha, 11 injured passengers were admitted to the sub-divisional hospital after preliminary treatment, while 5 were referred to Dhalai District Hospital in Kulai due to their serious condition. 2 others were transferred to Fatikroy Primary Health Center.
However, police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, which created significant commotion in the Saika Bari market area.