Shillong: An accident on Sunday claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured when a Bolero pickup carrying members of the Kynrud Presbyterian Church choir overturned and fell into a steep gorge in Kynrud village, West Khasi Hills District.
The choir group was traveling to Nongrilong Presbyterian Church in Mawdem, within the Mawthadraishan Constituency, for a scheduled church service when the tragedy struck.
Clement Nongsej, the Sordar (village head) of Kynrud, revealed that news of the accident reached the community around 11 am.
The vehicle, carrying more than 15 passengers, reportedly experienced a brake failure near Kyllem village, causing it to veer off the road and plummet nearly 100 meters into a gorge.
Emergency responders, along with local villagers, sprang into action to rescue the victims.
The injured were rushed to various medical facilities, including Kynrud Primary Health Center, Mairang Civil Hospital, and Shillong.
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Despite their efforts, the vehicle’s driver and one choir member tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The challenging terrain of the accident site posed significant obstacles to the rescue operation.
The steep gorge, coupled with limited accessibility, made the task arduous for the responders.
Villagers, undeterred by the darkness and isolation of the area, worked tirelessly through the night, ensuring all injured individuals received urgent medical care.
The incident has left the community in mourning, with condolences pouring in for the families of the deceased.
Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the accident, with an emphasis on addressing road safety in the region.
