Diglipur, April 1: Eight persons working as labourers were killed on the spot as the loaded truck on which they were travelling lost control and turned turtle. The accident took place on 29th March 2013 at 6.45 am near Swaraajgram, Diglipur. Among the 8 killed were 3 ladies.

The truck that turned turtle was loaded with quarry dust and carried 17 labourers. Among the 18, eight lost their lives, two are seriously injured, while seven others escaped with minor injuries.

Upon hearing the news of the death of 8 labourers, the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh expressed his grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the tragic road accident. The LG from his camp office at New Delhi conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured persons. He has also announced a ex-gratia relief of Rs 1.00/- lakh from LG’s Relief Fund to the next of kins of each deceased person. An amount of Rs 50,000/- has also been announced to the two critically injured persons. In addition, the Administration shall be bearing the full cost of medical treatment of all the injured persons.

The seriously injured persons were immediately airlifted to G. B. Pant Hospital where they are undergoing medical treatment. Seven persons with minor injuries are undergoing medical treatment at Radhanagar Primary Health Centre. 

Meanwhile the PCC President, Kuldeep Rai Sharma has also expressed his shock over the news. Sharma had immediately written a letter to the Lt Governor to consider immediate monitory relief from the Lt Governor’s relief fund to the victims.

The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray today conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members and prays for a speedy recovery of the injured. Bishnu has demanded for a thorough investigation in the accident and requested the Administration to render suitable livelihood measures with adequate compensation to the survivors.