From Our Correspondent
Nongstoin: In an unfortunate tragedy nine persons lost their lives when a truck (ML 06 9465), carrying around 15 coal labourers, on its way from Borsora to Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hills plunged into the Ranikor River on Wednesday afternoon.
According to sources, these 15 coal labourers were travelling to their villages at Mawkyrwat, Wahkajih and Nongstoin from Borsora to celebrate Christmas with their families when the accident occurred. The truck which was moving over the Jadukatta Bridge suddenly fell into the Ranikor River below. Out of the 15 labourers, nine died on the spot while the others sustained injuries.
“The bodies were fished out from the deep river with the help of police forces from Mawkyrwat and Ranikor and the injured were shifted to Ranikor PHC while the seriously injured were later taken to Shillong,” the source added.
The deceased has been identified as Silman Langrin, Kharkupar Dkhar and Silbert Langrin from Wahkaji, West Khasi Hills, Bros Sing Shabong from Sohra, Rit Tariang from Pomlakrai Mylliem in East Khasi Hills, SH Khongsit from Tyrsad in East Khasi Hills, Mayanstar Thongni from Meriem, Alloy K Bani from Dieng Shyieng Sangriang and Jiten from Marshillong in West Khasi Hills.
West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, R Muthu, said that the truck was used for carrying coal.
He also said that since there was no collapse of the bridge the accident might have been a case of negligent driving.
“We are investigating into the cause of the accident,” he added.