5 Maharashtra Tourists and 1 Local Driver were killed in a road accident at Khedum Bhir situated approximately 13 Kms South of Lachung, North Sikkim.
In a devastating accident five tourists from Maharashtra and a local taxi driver were killed in an accident at North Sikkim. The vehicle SK03J/ 0551 met with an accident at Khedum Bhir almost 13 kms away south of Lachung. It was reported that the accident happened between 8 and 8:30 PM The deceased tourists were identified as Suresh Punamiya, Toral Punamiya, Devanshi Punamiya, Hiral Punamiya, and Jayam Parmar.
On the night of May 28, out of 3 groups of families out on their trip at Lachung, a group of 1 tourists family from Maharastra didn’t reach their hotel while the other 2 family groups reached the hotel in Lachung. A search operation was initiated with support of Lachung and Chungthang PS team lead by SDPO Chungthang, LB Chhetri and PI Lachung PS Chomu Lachungpa.
Early morning of May 29, the search team tracked tyre marks off road near Khedum along Lachung – Chungthang road, after which the search operation was intensified. The team located the debris of the vehicle nearly 500 to 600 feet down into a gorge.
On Sunday morning with the efforts of Mangan PS, Chungthang PS, Army , Locals , Hotel Association, Local Driver Association, all 5 bodies including 1 body of driver was recovered.
SP Mangn Dr Tshering Namgyal Gyatso Bhutia is on the spot.
