1 dead and 8 others missing as a tourist van falls into the Teesta river in Sikkim; rescue operations and investigation underway

New Delhi (India) May 31: A tourist van carrying 11 people—10 tourists and a driver—fell 1,000 feet deep into the Teesta River between Chungthang and Munshithang in North Sikkim on Thursday evening, resulting in at least one death and eight people missing.

According to initial investigation, the accident happened Thursday evening while the car was travelling from Lachen to Lachung. At a dangerous turn on the steep path which is known to be an accident-prone area, it fell about 1,000 feet into the Teesta River.

According to Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, the accident happened at approximately 8:00 p.m. While the search for the other eight people is still ongoing, he verified that one body has been found.

According to sources, two seriously injured people were taken from the scene of the collision and taken to Chungthang for medical attention.

Itishree Nayak, a BJP worker from Odisha, and her elder son Sohail are still missing in the Sikkim tourist vehicle tragedy. Her sister-in-law Sunita and brother Ajit Nayak are also missing. Her younger son and her nephew were rescued by police and are currently receiving treatment.

The search and rescue efforts are being carried out by the rescue teams from the Army, Sikkim Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the district government, and local volunteers. Mangan District Hospital has admitted the two survivors. According to officials, their situation is critical.

Teams are also working to locate the vehicle in the deep gorge and reach the crash scene. They have also called high-altitude rescue units and divers for help.

Aadrika Tayal