Vehicle carrying IIT Dhanbad students falls 100ft in Sikkim, 10 injured

In a tragic incident, a vehicle carrying IIT (ISM) Dhanbad students met with an accident in Sikkim’s Mangan district on Saturday night, plunging into a 100-foot-deep gorge near Pakshep in Forest Dara. At least 10 students, including four females, were injured, along with the driver, police confirmed on Sunday.

The accident occurred at around 9:30 pm when the students were traveling from Lachung to Gangtok, a popular tourist route in the Himalayan state. According to authorities, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into the gorge. Rescue operations were immediately launched, and all injured individuals were retrieved from the site.

Out of the 10 injured students, three were in serious condition and were rushed to a hospital in Gangtok for advanced medical care. The remaining students and the driver received treatment at a hospital in Mangan and are said to be in stable condition.

Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident, with initial reports suggesting that poor visibility and difficult terrain may have contributed. The stretch between Lachung and Gangtok is known for sharp turns and steep drops, making driving conditions challenging, particularly at night.

The incident has raised concerns over road safety in hilly areas, with experts pointing out that proper road maintenance and safety measures are crucial to preventing such accidents. Authorities have urged drivers to be extra cautious when navigating Sikkim’s mountainous terrain, especially during nighttime travel.

The IIT Dhanbad administration has been notified of the incident, and efforts are being made to coordinate with local authorities to ensure the well-being of the injured students. The families of the students have also been contacted, and arrangements are being made for their return once they recover.