Accident Involving Anganwadi Staff on NH 717-A Near Bagrakote; 11 Injured near Selroti Loop Bridge

KalimNews, January 3, 2025, Bagrakote : A vehicle carrying 13 Anganwadi staff members from Mal Bazar met with a serious accident on National Highway 717-A near Bagrakote while en route to visit the famous Selroti Loop Bridge. The incident took place when the vehicle, a Magic van, lost control and crashed into a cement block before overturning. As a result, 11 of the passengers sustained injuries and were promptly rushed to the Mal Bazar Super Speciality Hospital for medical attention.

Of the injured, five were treated with first aid and discharged, while the remaining individuals continue to receive care at the hospital. Fortunately, all those affected are reported to be out of danger.

Photo Courtesy : Khukuri Channel and Hamro Sano Nimbong Bazar (FB)

The group of Anganwadi workers was returning from a visit to the Selroti Loop Bridge, an iconic structure on NH 717-A, which is currently under construction by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The road, which stretches from Bagrakote Chandmari to Gangtok via various placess such as Chuikhim, Kafer, Pedong, and Rhenock, is being developed as an alternate route to NH 10. While the Selroti Loop Bridge itself is complete, the road surrounding it is still under construction, which may have contributed to the accident.

Photo Courtesy : Khukuri Channel (FB)

Local residents, along with other visitors traveling in nearby vehicles, played a crucial role in rescuing the passengers and ensuring they received timely medical assistance. Despite the ongoing construction work, the area has become a popular tourist destination, with many people visiting for recreational purposes, including picnics. However, the lack of protective barriers on either side of the road has raised concerns about safety.

Sakal Saha, Chairman of the Mal Bazar Municipality, has urged the local administration to caution against such trips until proper safety measures, including road protections, are in place. "Given that the road is still under construction and lacking adequate safeguards, we strongly recommend discouraging trips along this route for the time being," he said.

The incident highlights the need for greater attention to road safety, particularly on under-construction highways, to prevent such accidents in the future.