Army truck falls into Teesta, search on for driver

PRASHANT ACHARYA and YOWAN MOTHAY,  EOI, SILIGURI / KALIMPONG, APRIL 1, 2023: An army truck on operational duty travelling from Gangtok towards Sevoke Road near Siliguri skidded off the road and fell into the Teesta River on Saturday morning.

Besides the driver, the truck had a Subedar who managed to jump out. He sustained injuries and was being treated in a military hospital. The driver went into the water with the vehicle. A search for the driver and the recovery of the vehicle were under way.

Army divers were deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations. The Superintendent of Police, Kalimpong, was helping with civilian divers and rafters in the search and rescue operations. 

Army and civilian recovery cranes were assisting in pulling the vehicle out of water. 

The cause of the accident was being ascertained. Army officers said the name of the driver had not been released, keeping in mind the sentiments of the family members, as the rescue mission was still under way.

To facilitate the rescue operation, traffic on National Highway 10 was stopped since the morning. Vehicles were allowed to pass only after the truck was pulled out from the river bed. 

The traffic snarl extended to Melli towards Sikkim and for 20 kilometres towards Siliguri