Kalimpong, December 14 (Siliguri Chronicle) – Three people were killed and seven others injured after an SUV plunged into a gorge on NH10 at Bhuichaly in Kalimpong district, about 35 km from here, on Friday evening.
Police said two passengers died on the spot after the vehicle fell into the gorge. Another injured person later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The deceased were identified as Tushar Barman of Mainaguri, Sumit Mali of Burdwan, and Rambahadur Chhetri of Rongpo. Tushar and Sumit died on the spot, while Chhetri later succumbed to his injuries.
According to sources, the SUV was travelling from Gangtok to Siliguri with 10 occupants, including the driver. At around 6:30 pm, the vehicle reportedly lost control on a stretch of NH10 near Bhuichaly and plunged nearly 200 feet into a gorge.
Police personnel, local residents, and workers of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.
All the occupants were pulled out of the gorge and taken to the Rambhi primary health centre for first aid. Those with serious injuries were later referred to Siliguri District Hospital and North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) for advanced treatment.
Police have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.
