Four persons died on the spot after the vehicle (Tata Sumo) they were travelling fell down a deep gorge some 500 metres near Melahu village under Aghunato sub-division of Zunheboto district on Tuesday. The mangled bodies could only be retrieved on Wednesday due to inclement weather and the rugged terrain where the accident occurred.
The dead have been identified as Azheto (driver), a couple Hokishe and Vinili and the fourth has been identified as Huvi, all from Satami village which falls under the same sub-division. The ill-fated vehicle and the passengers were travelling to Satami village from Zunheboto when the accident happened which is about 5 kilometres from Aghunato town.
According to Khehoi, pastor, Aghunato Town Baptist Church, who spoke to this correspondent over phone from the site of the accident, chances of mechanical failure cannot be concluded as the cause of the accident “as the road where the incident happened did not suggest that way from their point of view.” However, he said all possibilities point to rain and fog that was experienced during that time of the accident near the area as the cause of the accident.
Khehoi also informed that the accident might have occurred Tuesday at around 2 to 3 p.m however villagers got the information only late at night. He said that the ridge where the accident happened is called by the name “Liliyo Ridge” and is known for its treacherous gorge and rugged rocky terrain. He said that due to the nature of the gorge, the locals involving villagers from nearby areas, assisted by police were able to retrieve the bodies only on Wednesday afternoon. The bodies were handed over to their respective families, he added.
Friday, May 1, 2026