Kohima: Bus carrying students plunges down slope, 15 injured

October 10, 2024 9 Views No Comment

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 10 (MExN): In a tragic incident, a private bus carrying students from St. Joseph’s College, Autonomous, Jakhama, plunged 40 feet down a steep slope between Kisama and Kigwema, injuring 15 passengers, including the driver.

The accident occurred around 2:00 PM as the bus was en route to Kohima to drop off students. According to Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO, Kohima, Relo T. Aye, the bus lost control after overtaking another vehicle and collided with a tree before veering off the road. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with preliminary reports pending.

At the time of filing this report, no First Information Report (FIR) had been filed regarding the incident. College authorities clarified that the bus was privately operated and not owned by the institution. The number of students on board was reported variably, with police estimating around 20, while college officials indicated 15.

All injured students are currently enrolled in undergraduate courses. Initially, the injured were rushed to the 154 General Army Hospital in Jakhama and various private hospitals in Kohima. Four students were subsequently transferred to Naga Hospital Authority in Kohima from the military facility.

At Bethesda Hospital, some students have been discharged after treatment for minor injuries, while others remain under observation. However, one student with a severe head injury is reported to be in critical condition and has been admitted to the critical care unit. Another student was taken to Bethel Hospital in Kohima.

Following the accident, the Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) emphasized the importance of adhering to a speed limit of 40 km/h for vehicles transporting students and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for intoxicated drivers. The Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), meanwhile, called on the government to address the deteriorating road conditions in the area.