TV
Four Odias are still missing after their vehicle fell into the Teesta River in a tragic accident in Sikkim, on Thursday night. Despite three days having passed since the incident, rescue teams have yet to trace their whereabouts. The vehicle carrying 11 individuals, including the driver, skidded off a hilly road and plunged into the river at around 08:00 pm.
Among those missing are BJP leader from Jajpur, Itishree Jena, her elder son Sahil, and Odia couple Ajit Nayak and Sunita. The family was reportedly returning in two vehicles along with some non-Odia tourists when one of the cars slipped into the river.
Rising Water Levels Hamper Recovery Efforts
Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the Teesta River’s water level has risen significantly, hampering rescue operations. The Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are carrying out the rescue efforts under challenging conditions, risking their lives amid the harsh terrain and weather.
Also Read: Sikkim tourist vehicle tragedy: 4 Odias including woman BJP leader still missing amid rescue challenges
Efforts are underway to recover the submerged vehicle. As the accident site is inaccessible to cranes, the team is attempting to pull the vehicle out manually using ropes.
Odia Officials Arrive in Sikkim to Monitor Situation on Ground
In response to the emergency, the Odisha government has sent a two-member team of senior transport officials to Sikkim. Additional Transport Commissioner Deeptiranjan Patra and Joint Transport Commissioner Bikash Choudhury have reached Gangtok and are closely monitoring the situation while coordinating with local authorities.
Read More: 1 dead, 8 missing as tourist vehicle plunges into Teesta river in Sikkim; BJP leader among victims from Odisha!
One Dead, Two Injured; Search for Others Continues
One body has been recovered from the river, while two critically injured individuals were rescued and shifted to Mangan District Headquarters Hospital. Their condition remains critical. The search for the remaining missing persons continues with assistance from the Indian Army, ITBP, Sikkim Police, district officials, and local volunteers.
