PTI, May 30, 2025, Bhubaneswar : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday directed that a special team be rushed to Sikkim as some residents from Odisha were in the tourist vehicle which plunged into Teesta river in Mangan district of the Himalayan state.
Odisha CMO sources said, Majhi called Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and inquired about the fate of Odisha passengers in the tourist vehicle. He expressed concern over passenger safety and medical treatment.
Majhi also asked officials to make arrangements for the safe return of the Odisha passengers from Sikkim, they said.
One person was killed, two injured and eight others went missing when a vehicle carrying 11 tourists plunged into the Teesta river in North Sikkim’s Mangan district, police said on Friday.
The tourist vehicle plunged more than 1,000 feet into the river Teesta near Munsithang along the Lachen- Lachung highway on Thursday night, they said.
Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also in a post on X said: “I have learned that many Odia passengers were on the tourist bus that met with an accident in the Teesta river in Sikkim. May Lord Jagannath give strength to the families to face this challenging time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those affected by the accident”
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das also expressed concern over the road accident in Sikkim. He urged the state government to extend all help to the people.
Meanwhile, sources said that Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha secretary Iti Shree Jena is among the six from the state, who were among the missing persons. Jena was travelling with her family from Odisha’s Jajpur when the tragic accident occurred. Her son and nephew have been rescued, local police sources said.
One dead 2 injured 8 missing as tourist vehicle plunges into Teesta river in Sikkim
PTI, Gangtok, May 30, 2025 : One person was killed, two injured and eight others missing when a vehicle carrying 11 tourists plunged into the Teesta river in North Sikkim’s Mangan district, police said on Friday.
The tourist vehicle plunged more than 1,000 feet into Teesta river near Munsithang along the Lachen- Lachung highway on Thursday night. Two critically injured persons have been rescued and one body recovered, they said.
Eight tourists are still missing, said Superintendent of Police, Mangan, Sonam Detchu Bhutia.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in a Facebook post said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred on the night of May 29 near Chubombu, Mangan district, where a tourist vehicle fell into the Teesta river while travelling from Lachen to Lachung. My heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time.”
The CM said that rescue operations began immediately under the supervision of SP Mangan, with the dedicated efforts of the police, ITBP, fire and medical teams, and local volunteers. He said that two individuals have been rescued and are receiving medical care. He further said that the search for others is ongoing, with NDRF teams joining the operation.
“Our government is fully committed to extending all possible support to the victims and their families. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that every necessary resource is deployed for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Let us stand united in this hour of grief and extend our support to those affected,” the CM said.
Details regarding the deceased, injured and the cause of the accident are still awaited. Authorities have cordoned off the area and requested tourists to avoid unnecessary travel along the route until further notice, the police added.
