PM calls up President Mukherjee after a car in convoy meets accident

New Delhi, Jul 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called up President Pranab Mukherjee and enquired about his well being after a vehicle in his convoy met with accident near Darjeeling.

The President was on his way to Bagdogra airport to fly back to Delhi after a four-day trip to the region when the third car in his convoy skidded off the road and went down a 100-feet gorge, injuring six persons. [President's escort car skids off road in Darjeeling; 5 injured]

"The President is safe," Mukherjee Press Secretary Venu Rajamony said. Due to poor visibility, the car carrying Security Liasion Officer of the Intelligence Bureau and local police officials--skidded off the road while negotiating a bend and hurtled down a 100-feet deep gorge before being stopped by two trees, police.

The personnel were rescued after a 45-minute operation and Mukherjee briefly halted at a safe location. The Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted, "Car in President's carcade from Darjeeling to Bagdogra goes off road, minor injuries to security personnel; #PresidentMukherjee safe". Mukherjee, 80, later proceeded towards the airport.

PTI