In a tragic road mishap, eight people, including six women, were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling, collided head-on with a sand-laden truck in K Station area under Tseminyu district on Wednesday morning.
This was disclosed by Addl SP and PRO Tseminyu police, Lanu Aier in a press note. Aier informed that the mishap occurred when a Tata Sumo (NL02T 2124) with passengers and enroute to Mokokchung from Kohima collided head on with a sand-laden truck (AS096 6187). He said Tseminyu police station received information about the accident that occurred at around 7:55 a.m. Aier said immediately, Wokha DEF was requested to dispatch recovery and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel from Wokha.
As per preliminary reports, Aier said the impact of the collision was so intense, that the Sumo was dragged along the highway for some distance before it rolled off the road. Then both vehicles plummeted several feet below as the sand-laden truck crushed the Sumo underneath and trapping all the passengers inside.
Aier said during rescue, only one passenger–Imlienla was found alive. After rescuing her from the debris, the victim was rushed to Kohima in an ambulance, but succumbed to injuries enroute. The bodies of other seven deceased including the driver trapped inside the mangled vehicle were retrieved at around 11 a.m.
A case was registered and three individuals, including the truck driver and two other occupants of the truck, were arrested and taken into police custody for further interrogation and investigation.
After observing all legal formalities, the bodies were handed over to the respective familiesof the deceased.
According to PRO, the deceased were identified as 1.Nuksungienla Longchari (24) of Changki village; 2. Tiakala Ao (23) of Mangmetong village; 3. SentimonglaImsong (23)of Yaongyimsen village; 4. Temsutoshi Jamir (32) of Lakhuni village; 5. Imkongchila Yimkhiung (25) of Chessore village; 6. Nunenuo Talie (25) of Rusoma village; 7. Imlienla of Lirmen village and 8. Songlekumba Chang (26)of Longra village, (the driver of the Sumo).
CM mourns loss of lives; announces ex-gratia
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sadness at the tragic road accident in Tseminyu district where eight lives were lost. He said the government was providing all necessary assistance besides ex-gratia of Rs 2.00 lakh each for the deceased. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” Rio wrote on X.
Meanwhile, state deputy chief ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang also expressed sorrow over the road accident. Patton, who also holds home portfolio, said he has instructed the agencies to make thorough investigation into the accident. Patton conveyed condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the BJP to the grieving families and prayed that “those perished souls would find peace eternally.”
In a post on X, deputy CM TR Zeliang extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest and peace.
DPDB Tseminyu chairman, Jwenga Seb, MLA, also expressed deep sadness at the tragic accident and extended condolences to the affected families and friends.
Seb said the accident has left Rengma community in shock and mourning and stood with the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating accident.
Seb expressed gratitude to the emergency response teams, law enforcement agencies, civil societies, medical professionals and nearby villagers who swiftly responded to the scene of the accident.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed deep pain at the tragic road accident and conveyed thoughts and prayers to the families and friends who have been profoundly affected by the tragedy. NSF president Medovi Rhi said words alone cannot adequately express the sorrow which the federation felt for the untimely and devastating loss of young lives.
AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) through its president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba extended deepest condolences and sympathies to the grieving families affected by the tragic road accident.
AKM said that the pain and anguish caused by the accident were immeasurable, adding that their thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved families during this time of profound grief.
AKM also called for renewed efforts to prioritise safe driving practices and take road safety measures to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
ANTA Wokha: All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha conveyed condolences to the families of the eight victims who lost their lives in the tragic accident.
ANTA Wokha through its president Renbemo Kikon and general secretary Lipenthung Ovung expressed regret over the inability to save the passengers despite reaching the spot within minutes of receiving information “due to the impact and damage caused by the collision.”
Meanwhile, ANTA unit expressed gratitude to all good Samaritans for their help rendered towards the victims and their families.