The mangled remains of the vehicle involved in the fatal road accident on Chümoukedima bypass road in the early hours of May 15 still lie lodged halfway down the gorge. (Morung Photo)
Vehicular movement restricted on stretch
Dimapur/Chümoukedima, May 15 (MExN): Two college students lost their lives and two others were seriously injured in a tragic accident that occurred in the early hours of May 15 on the Chümoukedima bypass road.
According to the Chümoukedima Village Youth Society (CVYS), the accident took place at Tsiesepru, near Old Chümoukedima Heritage Village, when a vehicle carrying four occupants veered off the road and plunged approximately 300 metres below. The bypass road is currently under construction.
Reports indicated that two of the occupants died on the spot, while the remaining two were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), located in 4th Mile, Chümoukedima. The condition of one is stated to be critical.
CVYS condoles, issues advisory
In response to the incident, the CVYS has reiterated its existing resolution regarding the Old Village bypass road and has imposed an immediate prohibition on all vehicular movement along the stretch.
Only vehicles involved in ongoing construction work and those belonging to landowners in the area are exempted, it said.
The bypass road will only be opened to the public in the event of a blockage on National Highway-29, it added.
Underscoring that the restriction has been imposed the interest of public safety, the CVYS appealed for the public’s cooperation and stated that any violation of the directive will be dealt with firmly. “Let us all remain vigilant and work together to prevent further tragedies,” it added.
The CVYS also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased and wished a swift and full recovery to the injured.
It further expressed appreciation to everyone who rendered selfless service during the rescue operation, including the Chümoukedima Traffic Police, the State Disaster Response Team, and local leaders and youth who assisted at the scene.
In a notification, the Deputy Commissioner Chümoukedima also informed that all vehicular movement along the route from Chümoukedima Town to New Chümoukedima via Old Chümoukedima Village will be temporarily restricted or closed until completion of the ongoing road construction work.
Only vehicles directly engaged in the said road construction will be allowed to operate along this route, it added.
