Bhubaneswar: In a harrowing incident that unfolded late Thursday evening, a tourist vehicle ferrying 11 individuals plunged 1,000 feet into the Teesta River between Chungthang and Munshithang in Sikkim. The tragic accident has left at least one tourist dead and eight others reported missing, including Itishree Jena, a prominent BJP leader from the Jajpur Road area of Odisha.
The ill-fated vehicle was reportedly carrying 10 tourists and a driver when it skidded off a hilly road at approximately 8 PM on Thursday. The group was en route back from Gangtok, the capital city, when the accident occurred. Reports indicate that the tourists were primarily from Odisha and West Bengal. While one fatality has been confirmed, the bodies of the victims have not yet been fully identified.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi had expressed deep sorrow upon learning about a passenger bus accident in the Teesta River in Sikkim. After receiving initial information that many passengers from Odisha were involved, the Chief Minister had already discussed rescue, treatment, and return efforts with the Sikkim government. He had also directed a special team of officials from Odisha to go to Sikkim to manage the situation effectively.
The search and rescue operations are ongoing in the treacherous terrain as authorities work to locate the missing and recover those affected by the plunge. The Odisha government continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with Sikkimese authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.