A tourist vehicle carrying 11 passengers plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta river in North Sikkim’s Mangan district on Thursday night, leaving one person dead, two injured and eight others missing, police said.
The vehicle was en route from Lachen to Lachung, when it veered off a sharp bend along a treacherous stretch of mountainous terrain and fell into the gorge below.
“Eight tourists are still missing,” said Mangan Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia. “Two critically injured persons have been rescued and one body has been recovered,” he informed.
The injured have been admitted to the STNM Hospital in Gangtok for treatment. The identities and locations of origin of the tourists are yet to be ascertained, police said.
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Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in a Facebook post said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred on the night of May 29 near Chubombu, Mangan district, where a tourist vehicle fell into the Teesta river while travelling from Lachen to Lachung. My heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time."
The CM said that rescue operations began immediately under the supervision of SP Mangan, with the dedicated efforts of the police, ITBP, fire and medical teams, and local volunteers. He said that two individuals have been rescued and are receiving medical care. He further said that the search for others is ongoing, with NDRF teams joining the operation.
"Our government is fully committed to extending all possible support to the victims and their families. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that every necessary resource is deployed for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Let us stand united in this hour of grief and extend our support to those affected," the CM said.
The accident site, known for its challenging road conditions and history of mishaps, lies deep in the upper reaches of the Teesta valley, where recent rainfall has exacerbated the risk of landslides and road skidding.
Emergency response teams comprising personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sikkim Police, and local administration launched a night-long search and rescue operation in the remote area.
“Upon receiving the information, swift response teams… rushed to the site and initiated late-night rescue operations under challenging terrain and weather conditions,” authorities informed.
Divers and high-altitude rescue teams have been deployed, and efforts continue to trace the missing tourists and recover the vehicle from the gorge.
Authorities have cordoned off the accident site and advised tourists and drivers to exercise extreme caution while travelling along the Lachen–Lachung stretch, particularly during inclement weather.
As of Friday noon, details regarding the deceased, injured, and the cause of the accident are still awaited. Authorities have cordoned off the area and requested tourists to avoid unnecessary travel along the route until further notice, the police added.
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