Sikkim: 1 Killed, 4 Injured as Car Skids Off Road, Falls onto Lower Stretch

PTI, GANGTOK, DEC 30: A 58-year-old woman from Jharkhand was killed and four other persons were critically injured when the car they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into a lower stretch in Sikkim on Tuesday, police said.

The accident took place at Saffo Upper Dzongu in North Sikkim, when the tourists from Jharkhand were travelling from Lachung, a police officer said.

The four injured persons, who are residents of Ranchi, were admitted to Mangan district hospital, from where two were shifted to STNM Hospital in Gangtok for better treatment, he said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident, he added.

KalimNews, Gangtok: A tragic road accident occurred in North Sikkim on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and four others critically injured when a private vehicle skidded off the road and plunged onto a lower stretch. The incident, which took place at Saffo Upper Dzongu, around 10 kilometres from the Sangkalang Outpost, occurred at approximately 1 pm.

The vehicle involved was a Nexa Ignis with registration number JH 01DJ 0925, carrying tourists from Ranchi, Jharkhand. The car was travelling from Lachung when it lost control on the hilly terrain. The 58-year-old woman who died in the crash was identified as Rekha Chaudhary, a resident of Ranchi, Jharkhand. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.

Four other occupants of the vehicle sustained severe injuries. These individuals, all from Ranchi, Jharkhand, were initially taken to the Mangan District Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Two of the injured, Saswat Sahu (36) and Varsha Varnwat (38), were later referred to the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital in Gangtok for further care, while the remaining two, Rahul Kumar (39) and Neha Rani (35), continue to receive treatment at Mangan District Hospital.

The accident occurred on a particularly treacherous stretch of road in North Sikkim, which is known for its narrow, winding paths and steep inclines. This area, situated in the mountainous region of the state, poses significant challenges for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the terrain. Police have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities are looking into whether road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or driver error contributed to the incident.

Local police have expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents involving self-driven tourist vehicles, which are often operated by drivers lacking experience in navigating the difficult mountain roads. The road conditions, especially in winter months, are notoriously hazardous, with sharp bends, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable weather. Authorities have repeatedly urged tourists to exercise extreme caution while travelling through North Sikkim and have recommended the use of local transport with experienced drivers to ensure safety.

In light of this tragic incident, some have raised concerns about the safety of allowing private vehicles to operate in such challenging regions. There is growing support for the idea that permits should not be issued for private vehicles to enter North Sikkim, given the narrow and steep roads that present dangers to those unfamiliar with the terrain. Instead, it has been suggested that tourists should rely on local transport services,