Shillong: Five people were killed after a vehicle plunged into a 70-foot-deep gorge along the Shillong-Dawki Road in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills on Sunday evening.
The accident occurred near Rngain, around 7 pm, when the car—travelling from Shillong to Pynursla—reportedly veered off a dangerous curve and fell into the gorge.
According to police, the stretch is notorious for sharp bends, poor visibility, and ongoing roadwork that began in 2023.
Locals have criticised the lack of guardrails and signage on the highway.
Police reported that the five occupants included a pregnant woman and a minor.
Drowning incident reported in Garo Hills
In a separate incident in West Garo Hills, a Meghalaya Agriculture Department official went missing after being swept away by strong river currents during a family picnic on Sunday.
The officer, identified as Teseng M Sangma, was posted in Ampati and residing in government quarters near Dolampong in Tura.
He had gone to Sella Wari near the Ganol River with his family when he attempted to cross the river, which was in spate due to heavy overnight rainfall.
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According to his family, he was pulled away by the current and disappeared.
Search operations led by the Fire and Emergency Services, assisted by local swimmers and volunteers, were suspended Sunday evening due to poor visibility and will resume Monday morning, West Garo Hills SP Abraham T Sangma said.
Heavy rainfall across the Garo Hills region over the weekend caused water levels in several rivers, including the Ganol, to rise sharply, prompting authorities to urge caution in flood-prone areas.
