Three killed & one battling for life while exiting Meghalaya illegally

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 19, 2020

Three persons died after Mizoram-bound truck loaded with bitumen capsized in East Jaintia Hills District. 

The incident took place at Lumshnong village near Forest IB, along the national highway on Saturday afternoon, police said on Sunday. 

The truck bearing registration number NL-02-N-4222 loaded with bitumen capsized and turned turtle, killing two persons on the spot while one succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, they said. 

Police said during enquiry, it was found that truck was coming from Beltola, Guwahati and was headed to Mizoram. 

There were only 2 occupants in the truck (Driver & helper) when it entered Meghalaya but 4 persons boarded the truck illegally somewhere between Deinchynrum and Byndihati.

These 4 persons were hiding between the loaded bitumen drums on the back side to avoid detection. 

However, 2 of them died on the spot while one was immediately rescued by Lumshnong police but he later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, they said.

According to the police, the 4th person could be rescued alive after a 6-hour-long rescue operation which was extremely tough because of heavy rain & thunderstorm almost whole day yesterday. He has been referred to Silchar Medical College & Hospital for treatment.

The police further informed that driver & helper has been arrested. A case has been registered and investigation is going on.

Meanwhile, the dead bodies have been handed over to family members after Post Mortem Examination.

The East Jaintia Hills police also thanked the members of the society, waheh shnong (headman), Star cement & Dalmia cement, who promptly helped in the rescue operation by providing manpower, equipment as well as ambulance.