Five women lost their lives and several others sustained critical injuries in a tragic bus accident that occurred on Saturday night at 10th mile, between Tsiesema and Peducha, under the jurisdiction of Tsiesema village in the Peleilizie area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Chiephobozou Police Station
According to reports, the passenger bus, which was en route to Chümoukedima, met with the accident at approximately 8.10 p.m. on January 31.
The vehicle was returning from Mokokchung after attending the “Day of Repentance” programme organized by the Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Churches Mission, held on January 30 and 31.
According to police, it has been ascertained that a private bus bearing registration NL07B-0510, carrying 32 passengers (members of the Chumoukedima Ao Baptist Church), overturned at the location. Preliminary investigation at the scene rules out rash and drunken driving as causes. It appears the bus likely developed a mechanical snag, which led to the accident. A detailed technical examination is underway.
Tragically, five female passengers succumbed to their injuries and were declared dead at the spot. Their bodies were retrieved from the accident site and, after completion of all necessary legal formalities, have been handed over to their bereaved families. The women who died on the spot have been identified as N Amongla, Imtimenla, Asangla Pongen, Bendangla Jamir, and Yangerinla.
The remaining passengers, who sustained minor injuries, were promptly shifted to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, for medical treatment.
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Volunteers from the Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO), led by its president, along with police personnel and district administration officials, reached the site promptly and took stock of the situation. Youths from NAYO and Tsiesema Village donated shawls to drape the deceased victims as a mark of respect.
People, including volunteers from Kohima, Dimapur, and Chümoukedima, also arrived at the accident site to assist in rescue and recovery operations.
Kohima Police has acknowledged and appreciated the swift and compassionate assistance rendered by volunteers from the Northern Angami Youth Organization (NAYO) and Tsiesema Village Youths, who provided crucial on-ground support during the rescue and relief operations.
Further investigation into the exact cause of the accident is in progress.
Meanwhile, a mass funeral service for the deceased was held at the Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Arogo Compound today.
