Bus mishap claims student in GH, 23 more hurt

TURA: A school student was killed and scores injured after the public bus they were travelling in lost control and dashed against the roadside before turning on its side at Modupara locality of Garobadha, 34 kms from Tura, on Friday morning.
The ill-fated bus (ML-08A-1046) which was filled with passengers was coming from Rajabala area via Selsella towards Tura town when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The bus was at high speed when the mishap took place, eye witnesses said.
The absence of medical staff at Garobadha primary health centre when the injured were brought irked the villagers compelling them to resort to violence
The deceased — Dijan M Sangma — was a Class XII student of St. Dominic Savio Higher Secondary School in Garobadha.
As many as 23 passengers of the bus were brought to Tura civil hospital for treatment and seven were admitted. Those who sustained injuries included seven children and six women.
One of the injured victims hailing from Dalu and identified as Sushanto Koch (25) has been referred to Guwahati for further medical treatment.
The driver of the bus fled from the scene along with the handyman.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kr Singh informed that police will be taking up a Suo Moto case against the driver for rash driving.
There were angry protests by members of the public when they found that the ambulance placed at Garobadha primary health centre could not be utilised to ferry the injured since the driver has been missing from duty allegedly without authorization for the past two days.
Angry protestors pelted stones and damaged the ambulance lying idle at the health centre.
Several student and social organizations have also taken strong exception to the alleged absence of doctor at Garobadha.