11 killed, 24 injured in bus accident in Meghalaya

Mawryngkneng, Jan 30 (UNI) At least 11 people were killed and 24 injured today, when a night super bus, carrying more than 30 passengers, fell into a 100-metre-deep gorge in the East Khasi Hills district.

The accident took place near Mawryngkneng village, 37 km east of the capital Shillong at 0400 hrs. The driver of the ill-fated bus was also killed in the accident. The bus was en-route to Silchar from Guwahati in Assam.

Meghalaya DIG Eastern Range DK Rapthap said 11 people, including four women had died. However, unofficial sources put the toll at 12.

A crane had been brought to assist in the rescue operation.

Police fear that more bodies will be found under the wreckage.

Most of the accident victims were from Assam, he said.

Official reports said most of the injured had been shifted to Shillong civil hospital, adding that the toll might rise as many of the injured were in a critical condition.

Reasons for the incident were yet to be ascertained. The bus, which was severely damaged, has not yet been recovered, official sources said.

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