16 die, 1 injured in road mishap

Itanagar: At least 16 people were killed and one critically injured on Sunday when the vehicle they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The mishap occurred at around 12.30 PM when a pick-up vehicle was on its way to Betchelling village and fell into the gorge on Rupa-Kalaktang Road, Power Minister T N Thongdok, who represents the area, said over phone.
The minister, who rushed to the area, said while at least 16 people died on the spot, another was critically injured. “I am in touch with administration and have apprised Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who has assured all possible relief…Let us pray for peace of all departed souls. Condolence to families of the victims,” Thongdok said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul expressed deep shock over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to the critically injured person.
Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa also expressed shock and condoled the bereaved families. Neither the DC nor the SP of the district could be contacted due to poor telecommunication network. Initial report had put the death toll at 17. (PTI)