MUKESH SHARMA

Kalimpong, November 06:

A Maruti van bearing number WB 74-1782 skidded 300 below the road at Samuel Dara under Bhalukhop Gram Panchayat today in the afternoon. The vehicle which was carrying 7 people (including the driver) was heading from Newar Goan to Kalimpong town. 4 passengers have been killed and 3 are injured during the accident. Shanti Sherpa (47) of Dhaje died on the spot while other 6 were rushed to Kalimpong hospital where Taruna Rai (55) lost the fight for her life. Palden Tamang and Sandhya Rai who were referred to Siliguri died on the way. The driver of the vehilce Dhurva Thapa and one passenger Jhas Bahadur Mangar sustained minor injuries whereas, Raju Rai have been referred to Siliguri. According to the Police the vehicle could not negotiate the steep bend which caused the accident.