Kohima, October 08: In a tragic road mishap, 18 persons were killed while at least 24 others were injured as the bus in which they were traveling plunged into a deep gorge today near Yisemyong village under Chuchuyimlang sub-division in Mokokchung district in Nagaland, some 162 kms from Kohima along National Highway 61-A.Sources said that the bus (NL02B/1032) bound for Tuli left Mokokchung town with 42 passengers besides lifting another eight passengers on the way and met with the tragic accident at around 12.30 pm.

Though the actual cause of the accident is not known, sources informed that 13 passengers died on the spot while five succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

The dead include three women and 14 male passengers, out of which only two are said to be non-locals.

Out of the 25 injured, two persons are said to be in very critical condition, said sources.

People from the nearby villages carried out the rescue operation along with the district administration of shifting them to the nearby Community Health Centre and Civil Hospital Mokokchung.

The District Administration of Mokokchung besides extending immediate cash relief for the dead and the injured has also made public announcements calling people to donate blood as several passengers are reported to be in serious conditions.

The names of the 13 passengers killed in the spot are as follows: Magamongla of Longmisa, Sakunungsang of Longkhum, Lanumayang of Longkhum, Nakhvi Sumi, VK Town Zunheboto, Noklangba of Sungrats�, Sakutola of Changki, Keheyato of Litami Zunheboto, Longrinungba of Yongyimsen, Nungsangtuzung of Mongsenyimti, Aosangla.

Mopongchukhet of Imtilemba, Sungrats�, Santosh of CTC Aolichen and Tinku, a labourer.

However, the names of those who succumbed in the hospital could not be received.

Further details are awaited till the time of filing this report.

Comment