Imphal: At least four people died and several others sustained injuries after a truck plunged down a hillside in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday. The accident occurred near Ngaljang village under the Singngat subdivision.
The deceased were identified as Thangmuanmung Khuptong, Hauchiin, Chingngaihsiam, and Niangzaniang.
Meanwhile, rescue teams rushed the injured to nearby health facilities. Authorities have not yet confirmed their condition.
According to initial reports, the accident took place around noon. A DI pick-up truck was carrying around 40 passengers. They were travelling to attend a wedding send-off ceremony in the village.
While negotiating a steep and sharply inclined hill road, the vehicle reportedly slipped backwards. It failed to regain momentum. It then rolled down the hillside and plunged into the slope below.
Four occupants died on the spot. Several others suffered injuries.
Soon after, local residents and volunteers reached the site. They launched rescue efforts before officials arrived.
Later, police and district authorities reached the spot. They took over rescue and relief operations. They also began assessing the situation.
Notably, this was the second fatal road accident in Churachandpur district within a week. The incident has raised fresh concerns over road safety in the hilly terrain.
Earlier, on December 31, an ambulance met with a similar fate. The vehicle was transporting a body from Moreh to Churachandpur district headquarters. It veered off the road at Teijangkot village and plunged into a river.
The accident killed the driver and a handyman on the spot. The ambulance belonged to the Young Mizo Association. Both occupants reportedly drowned.
Authorities said further details about Monday’s accident are awaited. An investigation is expected to determine the exact cause of the mishap.