Death toll increases to 21 in Manipur accidents

Imphal, Jan 18: The death toll in the accidents, that occurred yesterday in two districts of Manipur, has increased to 21 after two people died in the hospital today.

Police said here that the deceased included 10 women and three children. Another 40, who were seriously injured were undergoing treatment at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here. However, six of them are in critical condition.

Police said one of the accidents occurred at Biheng in Churachandpur district while the other in Tamenglong district last evening. The accident at Biheng occurred when an overloaded truck carrying coal and 55 people overturned killing 19 persons, including nine women and three children, while 28 were seriously injured.

Meanwhile, another truck on NH 53 in Tamenglong met the same fate yesterday thus injuring 14 persons. Two of them died in the hospital. today.

All the victims were brought to Imphal by 9 Assam Rifles personnel.

UNI