Death toll rises in Meghalaya bus accident

Shillong, May 19 (UNI) The death toll in yesterday's road mishap at Mawkajem, about 35 km from here, has risen to 18 after seven more persons succumbed to their injuries in the hospital today.

The accident occurred when a bus carrying passengers en route to Tynriang near the Indo-Bangla border from Laitlyngkot village in East Khasi Hills district fell into a 30-feet gorge.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) A.S.Rynjah told UNI today that the number of casualties were 18 while 42 were injured so far.

Of the 42 injured admitted in Shillong Civil Hospital and at Pynursla Community Health Centre, Mr Rynjah said ten have been released after treatment.

''We are still continuing with our rescue operation in the deep gorge to trace the victims if any,'' Mr Rynjah said.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya governor B.L.Joshi has expressed shock and grief over the incident and condoled the bereaved families.

UNI