A road mishap claimed the life of a student of Sumin Lingjey Secondary School on 24th March when she was going for her tuitions along with her other three friends after school.

These four class nine students Kalpana Darnal, 17 years, Sharmila Sunwar, 16 years, Sita Limboo, 17 years and Doma Sherpa 18 years were suddenly hit by a truck from behind at Shantinagar along NH 31A. The truck bearing No. WB 74/ 0279 was driven by Durga Chettri accompanied by his handy boy- son Bhuwan Chettri.

This massive hit resulted in the death of Kalpana Darnal on the spot whereas the other three sustained serious internal injuries. The driver – handy duo however were trying to escape but were caught by Singtam Police near Gammon bridge. The truck has also been taken into police custody. The initial investigation has indicated that the duo were in an intoxicated state at the time of the incident.

However this was not the only mishap, the laxity shown by the staff and management of District Hospital Singtam at the time of crisis has added greatly to the tragedy and anger of the people.

Immediately after the mishap the three surviving students were rushed to the District Hospital Singtam by the local people but there was no staff to attend to these critical patients. When the patients were examined they were immediately referred to Central Referral Hospital (Manipal), Gangtok but there was no driver to commute these critical patients.

Though the ambulance was parked at the hospital premises but the driver was nowhere to be seen. The indifference shown by the management added to the anger of the people. The local people who have witnessed this incident have appealed to the Chief Minister and the Health Department to take note of such negligence and take appropriate action. Such temperament is least called for at a time when the Government is striving to make Sikkim the healthiest State in the Country.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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