BAGHMARA, June 16 � In one of the biggest tragedies in the Garo Hills region, a bus carrying more than 30 passengers went off the road resulting in the death of seven while 21 others were injured, some critically, near Baghmara around 9.30 am today.
The bus was trying to give way to a Tata Sumo coming in the opposite direction when it fell into a 30 feet deep gorge. The driver of the vehicle April M Sangma has been arrested by police.
The vehicle (ML-08 A 7795) was on its way from Tura to Baghmara. It had left Tura at 6.30 am and was about five kms from Baghmara when the accident happened.
Four people were killed on the spot while another three succumbed to their injuries at the Baghmara Civil Hospital, where the injured were taken for treatment.
According to the DMHO, Sukruti Sangma, �Seven persons have died in the accident. Three others are very critical and have been referred to Tura Civil Hospital for further treatment. We still have 21 more injured persons�.
One of the three being taken to Tura succumbed to his injuries near Dalu about 50 kms from Tura. He has been identified as the accountant of the PHC in Shibbari. The seven dead have been identified as as Persunath M Marak (75), Bodresh Sangma (60), Enila R Marak (38), Jasbina M Sangma (25), Robinath M Sangma (30), Banila Ch Sangma (30) and Wisbon M Sangma (20).
The accident took place at Balsrigitim village. �It was an overcrowded bus�, said SP South Garo Hills Lakador Syiem.
PTI adds: The mishap happened on a bridge near Baghmara, district deputy commissioner CP Gotmare said.
The driver of the overloaded Baghmara-bound bus lost control of the vehicle while approaching the bridge and it went off the road into the deep gorge, he said.
