Two young men from Tripura’s Kailashahar subdivision in Unakoti district are feared dead after a tragic SUV accident near Gangtok in Sikkim. The incident has sent shockwaves across their hometown. With families and friends holding onto hope as rescue operations continue.
SUV Plunges into Gorge Near Gangtok
The accident reportedly occurred on Friday evening when a tourist SUV, carrying six passengers, plunged into a deep gorge along the Gangtok-Nathula route. A treacherous stretch known for landslides and narrow roads. Among the occupants were two youths from Tripura, whose identities have been confirmed by local officials.
According to preliminary information, the vehicle lost control at a bend and skidded off the road amid rain and poor visibility. While search and rescue teams recovered the bodies of four passengers. The two youths from Tripura remain missing, raising fears that they may have been swept away in a stream or buried under debris.
Official Confirmation and Family Grief
Tripura’s Unakoti District Magistrate said in a statement:
“We have been informed by Sikkim Police about the tragic accident involving two youths from Kailashahar. Their families have been notified, and coordination is ongoing with authorities in Sikkim for updates.”
Locals in Kailashahar have expressed deep sorrow over the news. One resident, a friend of one of the missing youths, said,
“They had gone to Sikkim for a holiday. We never imagined it would end this way.”
The Tripura youth Sikkim SUV accident has become a trending topic on regional news platforms and social media, with netizens urging swift rescue efforts.
Rescue Teams Continue Search
Personnel from the Sikkim State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and local police have been deployed for the search operation. Difficult terrain and inclement weather have hampered progress,. But authorities have assured that rescue efforts will continue until the last person is found.
Helicopters and drones are being considered to aid the operation if the weather improves. Divers have also been called in to search the riverbed below the gorge.
Tourism Risks in Northeast India
The accident has reignited concerns about tourism safety across the Northeastern region, especially in mountainous areas like Sikkim where sudden weather changes and fragile roads pose constant risks.
Earlier this year, a group of tourists faced a similar fate in Arunachal Pradesh when their vehicle was swept away in a flash flood. As tourism rebounds in the Northeast post-COVID, Tripura youth Sikkim SUV accident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety protocols. And, weather alerts, and driver training on hilly terrain.
Tripura Government Seeks Action
Reacting to the tragedy, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha offered condolences and said the state government is in touch with Sikkim officials.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. Every assistance will be extended to the victims’ families,” the CM said.
A Tripura government representative has been dispatched to Gangtok to assist with coordination and help the families of the victims.
Internal and Outbound Resources
The tragedy has prompted calls for safer travel practices and better coordination between Northeast states.
Outbound Resource:
Call for Vigilance and Solidarity
Authorities have urged tourists to follow official travel advisories, especially during monsoon seasons. Families and locals in Kailashahar are holding prayer meetings while hoping for a miracle.
As the Tripura youth Sikkim SUV accident remains under investigation. The tragedy is a painful reminder of the unpredictability of mountain travel. Also, the importance of stronger inter-state disaster response coordination.
