Locals, the first responders, at the site of the accident that occured in the Kandinu area of Tseminyu district on September 20.
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 20
Eight people were killed in a ‘collision’ between a taxi and a sand-laden truck on September 20 in the Kandinu area of Tseminyu district. They included 6 females and two males.
Police sources told The Morung Express that the accident occurred in the K Station area, before reaching Wokha.
The ill-fated taxi (Tata Sumo) was bound for Mokokchung from Kohima, while the truck was coming from Merapani, Wokha, when the accident occurred.
In an official statement issued in the evening, the Additional SP & PRO Tseminyu, Lanu Aier, informed that the Tseminyu Police station first received information about the accident at around 7:55 am.
“Fearing fatalities, DEF Wokha was requested to dispatch a recovery van and SDRF personnel from Wokha to respond to the situation. Immediately, a police team, including the Officer-in-Charge (OC), SDPO, and Additional SP, rushed to the scene after arranging for a JCB and an ambulance,” it said.
As per the statement, the truck “collided” with the taxi. It said, “The impact of the collision caused the passenger Sumo to be dragged along the highway for some distance before it fell off the highway, plummeting several feet below... The LP truck, laden with sand, had completely crushed the passenger Sumo, trapping all the passengers inside.”
According to the official, 7 out of the 8 occupants, including the driver, in the taxi died on the spot and one succumbed to injuries while being rushed to hospital in Kohima.
The bodies of the six other passengers, including the taxi driver, were recovered at around 11:00 am.
Three occupants of the truck, the driver and two handymen were taken into custody by the Tseminyu police. While stating a suo moto has been registered, it said, “We will investigate and ascertain the cause of the accident, after interrogation with the driver and witnesses,” the police officer said.
After observing all legal formalities, the deceased victims were handed over to their families.
The PRO further informed that the exact cause of the incident “will be known once we get the Motor Vehicle Inspector report.”
According to sources, some of the deceased members had recently cleared the recently declared Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) exams and were on their way to give their joining reports while others were en route to Mokokchung to attend a funeral service.
The Lim Travels, Kohima when contacted said that the sumo had left in its usual timing this morning. As a mark to the victims, taxi operators have suspended service in the said route on September 21.
CM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, posted on X (formerly Twitter) mourned the loss of lives. Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, he announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton expressed shock over the "very unfortunate" accident that unexpectedly claimed many young lives for no fault of theirs. He also informed that the concerned agencies have been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. Former Minister R Khing also expressed condolences via X. He also acknowledged the act in the vicinity, the first responders to the accident site as well as the announcement by the State Government.
Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA) youths in a message mourned the demise of five of its members. The message read, “Today is a dark and sad day for us. Five of our youths have died in the tragic road accident. The grief is beyond words. Let us continue to pray for God's strength and comfort upon the family of the bereaved.
Naga Students' Federation (NSF) expressed pain and said that its thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends profoundly affected by the tragedy. “Though words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel for the untimely and devastating loss of these young lives, we share in the grief as we remember their promising futures, their dreams, and their potential which have been tragically cut short,” the NSF said.
