Atleast 16 killed, 50 injured in Meghalaya accident

www.mangaloretoday.com

Shillong, Feb 26, 2017:  At least 16 people were killed on Sunday when a truck they were in rammed into the concrete barricade of a road in Meghalayas West Khasi Hills district, police said.

More than 50 people were critically injured in the accident in Jdohkroh village, 11 km from Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills.

Police said the overspeeding truck was carrying over 60 passengers. Although earlier police estimated that over 30 passengers were traveling in the truck, later it was found that many fell into the deep gorge.

The exact number of people traveling is yet to be ascertained.

Sylvester Nongtnger, police chief of West Khasi Hills said all the victims were proceeding towards Nonglang village to attend the synod of Presbyterian Church.

"Twelve people died on the spot and four succumbed to their injuries in hospital," Mr Nongtnger told IANS. The dead included nine women and a 13-year-old girl.

The injured, including the driver and helper of the truck, have been rushed to nearby hospitals and to the Shillong Civil Hospital, the police said.

Quoting witnesses, the police officer said the accident occurred due to speeding. "Nonetheless, we are investigating the cause of the accident."