SHILLONG/NONGPOH, July 27: Three young lives were lost in two separate hit-and-run accidents involving scooters in the early hours of Monday.
In Shillong, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl died after their scooter was hit by an unidentified vehicle at Golf Link around 12:30 am. The deceased have been identified as Benjamin Shabong (18) of Mawpun and Fabela Grace (17) of Pynthor.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the victims were rushed to Shillong Civil Hospital but were declared brought dead.
“A case has been registered and efforts are on to identify the offending vehicle,” Syiem said. He noted that police reached the spot within five minutes of being alerted, but the victims were already lying on the road.
While the SP stated it was premature to determine exact fault, he emphasized that the driver was legally bound to stop. “The driver’s failure to surrender indicates culpability,” Syiem added. Police are currently examining post-mortem findings and investigating the identity of the driver.
In a similar incident at Umiam Dyke around 12:35 am, one youth was killed and two others were injured in another suspected hit-and-run.
Police arriving at the scene found three men lying on the road alongside a severely damaged scooter (ML05AG7001). One victim, identified as Rahul Ch. Sangma of Kapisapara, South Garo Hills, was pronounced dead at the scene from severe head injuries.
The two survivors were transported by ambulance to Shillong Civil Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest a heavy vehicle may have been involved, as truck skid marks were found at the site. The offending vehicle had fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities said further legal action will be taken after recording statements from the injured survivors.
