Four College Students Injured as Vehicle Veers Off NH-10 After Tree Falls on Road

Agencies, Kalimpong, April 8, 2055 :  A Bolero vehicle carrying college students from Arambagh, Hooghly skided off National Highway 10 near Lapchey Jhora, close to Chitrey, on Tuesday afternoon, leaving four seriously injured. The students, who were on an educational tour returning from Sikkim, were traveling from Pelling to Siliguri when the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m.

Reports suggest that a large tree suddenly fell across the road, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle while attempting to avoid the obstruction. The vehicle then plunged off the road and into a gorge. There were nine people in the vehicle, including the driver, Saroj Tamang. Four passengers, including the driver, sustained serious injuries, with one reported to be critically injured.

Local residents, along with social worker Jyoti Karki and volunteers, quickly responded to the scene. Police and locals worked together to rescue the injured and transport them to Kalimpong District Hospital. Four of the victims were treated for their injuries and discharged after first aid. However, the driver, Saroj Tamang, remains under observation at the hospital.

The injured passengers were identified as Sathi Dey, Sathi Mondal, Shestha Pal, and the driver Saroj Tamang. Other passengers in the vehicle included Tunai Barik, Arijita Roy, Mantu Ghorui, Arghyo Bhattacharya, and Suvodip Mandal, who all received first aid at the hospital and were later discharged.

Kalimpong District Superintendent of Police confirmed that all the occupants of the vehicle had been successfully rescued. Four were treated and released after first aid, while the remaining four, including the driver, continue to receive medical attention.

This incident has raised concerns among local residents about the safety of National Highway 10, which is known for its narrow stretches and landslide-prone terrain. There have been calls for authorities to implement stronger safety measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to natural obstructions such as falling trees, especially during the rainy season.