In an unfortunate incident, eight passengers died when the vehicle (Sumo) they were travelling in reportedly collided with a sand laden truck at Kandinu Area, situated between Tseminyu and Wokha, this morning. The Sumo was bound to Mokokchung en route from Kohima.
The Additional S.P. Wokha has informed that the Wokha Police received information about the incident around 7:40 am. Upon receiving the report, the police along with the Traffic IC and a recovery van was dispatched to the scene for the rescue operation.
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It has been reported that there were eight passengers in the ill-fated Sumo, consisting of six females and two males including the driver. Official sources informed that seven of them were pronounced dead on the spot, while one female succumbed on the way to the hospital.
Preliminary report states that the deceased were- Imkongchila from Chessore, Shamator; Sentimongla Imsong from Yaongyimsem, Mokokchung; Nuksungienla from Changki, Mokokchung; Songukhumba Chang from Longra, Tuensang; Temsutoshi Jamir from Lakhuni , Mokokchung; Tiakala Ao from Mangmetong, Mokokchung: Nunenuo Talie from Rüsoma, Kohima. One victim’s identity is yet to be ascertained, sources said.
Pisamo Lotha, Sub-inspector of SDRF Wokha, reported that they received information about the accident around 10:30 AM. Upon receiving this information, the Wokha District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) dispatched a 13-member team consisting of Home Guards, Civil Defence personnel, and SDRF members from Wokha, equipped with cutters and other machinery for the retrieval of bodies. However, upon reaching the scene, it was found that the people present had already provided necessary assistance. The team remained at the site until noon, offering any required support, and returned after obtaining permission from the authorities.
Lanu, Addl. SP, Tseminyu, has informed that the driver of the truck is arrested and is under the custody at Tseminyu Police Station.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a post on X, expressed his sadness over the tragic accident and stated that the State Government was “providing all necessary assistance”. He also announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each for the deceased and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
