Kalimpong bus accident toll rises to 7

Siliguri/Kalimpong: The death toll from Saturday's accident in Kalimpong district — in which a private bus fell 100 feet down a gorge and crashed on the banks of Teesta near Rangpo — rose to seven, with one person dying during treatment on Sunday. Fourteen passengers are still getting treatment at Singtam and Gangtok.Of the deceased, two are from Sikkim, one from Bihar and four from Bengal, said Kalimpong district administration officials.District magistrate of Kalimpong, Balasubramanian T, said the deceased persons from Bengal would get ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from respective district authorities. An official report has been shared with other states for necessary action. "The bodies of six victims are on their way home, we are waiting for the relatives of one person from Meghalaya," he said.Balasubramanian said a total of 23 passengers, mostly migrant labourers and locals, were on the bus. "Two persons died on the spot, four were brought dead to hospital and another succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment. Fourteen passengers are undergoing treatment, while two have been discharged. The driver, Bimal Thapa, a resident of Mirik, is in stable condition," the DM said."We have informed all family members and are coordinating with them. Per the directions of CM Mamata Banerjee and the chief secretary, we are providing all necessary support to the injured and for transport of bodies. A victim from Kolkata, Iqbal Hossain, is being sent to Belgachia through govt-arranged ambulance service," he added.Balasubramanian said police and an RTO team would conduct a joint visit to assess safety requirements at vulnerable stretches.