Gangtok: A devastating bus accident near the West Bengal-Sikkim border on Saturday afternoon claimed the lives of five people and left at least 15 others injured, some critically, according to local police reports. The mishap occurred around 3 PM when a passenger bus traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok veered off the National Highway-10 (NH-10) and plunged into a 150-foot-deep gorge, eventually landing on the rocky banks of the Teesta River.

A Journey Cut Short

The ill-fated bus, identified as ‘Quality,’ was on its routine daily trip between Siliguri in northern West Bengal and Gangtok, a crucial route that connects the plains to the hilly capital of Sikkim. Eyewitnesses and authorities reported that the accident took place between Andheri and Atal Setu, merely a kilometer from the Rangpo border—the gateway to Sikkim.

Passengers on board included a mix of locals, regular commuters, and tourists who had embarked on the journey to explore the picturesque landscapes of Sikkim. The serene surroundings of the route turned into a scene of chaos and despair as the bus lost control and plummeted into the steep valley, triggering immediate rescue efforts from locals and emergency services.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

As soon as news of the accident spread, local authorities, police personnel, and rescue teams rushed to the site. The challenging terrain made the rescue operation difficult, as responders had to navigate steep slopes and dense foliage to reach the wreckage.

Among the deceased was a woman, police confirmed, while the identities of the remaining victims were being ascertained. The injured passengers were swiftly transported to a nearby health center in Rangpo, where medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilize their conditions. However, with several critically injured individuals, authorities fear that the death toll may rise.

Survivors Recall the Horror

Some of the survivors recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the accident. A passenger, who miraculously escaped with minor injuries, described the horror of feeling the bus suddenly swerve off the road, followed by a gut-wrenching plunge into the valley below.

“I remember hearing people scream as the bus started slipping off the road. The next thing I knew, we were tumbling down the gorge. When I opened my eyes, I saw people lying injured around me,” said a visibly shaken survivor receiving treatment at the health center.

Another passenger mentioned that the driver seemed to struggle with controlling the vehicle moments before the accident. “It all happened so fast. We don’t know if it was brake failure, a mechanical fault, or if something else went wrong,” they said.

Cause of the Accident Under Investigation

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary speculations suggest that treacherous road conditions, possible mechanical failure, or even human error could have contributed to the crash. NH-10, though a lifeline for travelers heading to Sikkim, is known for its winding roads, landslide-prone stretches, and sharp bends that require extreme caution while driving.

This tragic accident has once again highlighted the dangers of traveling along hilly terrains, especially during inclement weather when roads become even more perilous.

Community and Government Reactions

The heartbreaking loss of lives has led to an outpouring of grief from locals and officials alike. The Sikkim and West Bengal governments have extended condolences to the bereaved families, promising swift action to support the injured victims and their loved ones.

Sikkim’s Chief Minister issued a statement, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident. We will ensure that the injured receive the best medical care possible. Authorities have been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

Safety Concerns on NH-10

This incident has reignited discussions about road safety measures along NH-10. As a crucial link between Siliguri and Gangtok, this highway witnesses heavy traffic, including passenger buses, commercial trucks, and tourist vehicles. However, frequent landslides, sharp bends, and deteriorating road conditions often make travel risky.

Experts have long urged authorities to implement stronger safety measures, including improved road maintenance, regular vehicle inspections, and better driver training programs. Calls for installing stronger guardrails along accident-prone stretches have also grown louder in the wake of such tragedies.

A Stark Reminder of Road Safety

The harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations, especially in hilly regions where even a small error can lead to catastrophic consequences. Passengers and drivers alike are urged to exercise caution while traveling through such challenging terrains.

While the survivors battle to recover, and families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing preventive measures to safeguard future travelers. Authorities are expected to release more details about the investigation in the coming days.

As the region reels from this tragedy, the incident underscores the need for immediate improvements in road safety infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms, ensuring that such devastating accidents become less frequent in the future.