Williamnagar, Sept 30: Six bodies have been retrieved from the ill fated MTC night bus going from Tura to Shillong that met with an accident at midnight of Wednesday at Nongchram bridge, 64 kms from Williamnagar, on the border with West Khasi Hills.

Also read: Tura MTC night bus falls off Nongshram bridge, scores injured

East Garo Hills SP, Bruno A Sangma told presspersons that four bodies of passengers were brought out last night by rescue teams and another two more were retrieved on Thursday morning after the bus was lifted off the river by cranes.

Among the six dead are two young girls, both in their early twenties.

The Meghalaya Transport Corporation night bus going from Tura to Shillong via Nongstoin skidded off the bridge at Nongshram and fell into the river below on Wednesday night. It was travelling at extreme high speed. Both the driver and the handyman are among the dead.

The passengers, a total of 21 (9 from Tura and 12 from Williamnagar) were fast asleep when the accident happened, around midnight.

15 passengers are in serious condition and have been rushed to Williamnagar and Tura Civil hospitals after initial first aid at nearest hospital in Rongjeng, 11 kms from Nongshram.

The place of accident in Nongshram bridge is the border between East Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills district. It happened late into the night after the bus had crossed Rongjeng town on its way to Shillong.

The daily MTC bus that goes from Williamnagar to Tura to pick up passengers and return the same route has been using the Tura-Nongstoin highway to head to Shillong each night.

Some injured passengers have told locals, who came from the nearby village to help in the rescue, that the bus was speeding when the accident happened.

The front portion of the bus hit the bridge posts on the side and went over into the water. The accident is suspected to be a case of reckless driving.

Pained by the unfortunate MTC bus accident at Nongchram Bridge that claimed precious lives. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and I wish speedy recovery to those injured. pic.twitter.com/hF0K3Kx8s6

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) September 30, 2021

Names of the Deceased:

1) Late Dismi M Sangma, 26 years

D/O Shri Withington Ch Marak Rangmal Badim, Williamnagar.

2). Late Sengsrang R Marak

S/O Shri Dominic S Sangma Laskarpara, Damra (Goalpara).

3). Late Traiwin R Marak, 23 years

S/O Wilbun M Sangma Bolkinggre, Williamnagar.

4). Late Tangsimbirth M Sangma

S/O Shri Nickolash M Sangma Old PWD Colony, Williamnagar.

5). Late Chekamchi G Momin, 18 years

D/O Smt. Afbartish G Momin Balsrigittim, Williamnagar.

6). Late Everestar Kharumnuid, 45 years

S/O late R.Kharkongor, Umphyrnai, East Khasi Hills.

Names of the Injured:

1) Smt. Cheanchi M Sangma, 25 yrs. C/o Menota M Sangma Balsrigittim, Williamnagar.

2) Smt. Dasilang Lapasun, 25 yrs C/o Lopas Dkhar Shillong, Madanriting

3) Smt. Dimrimbal Marak, 21 yrs C/o Donsilni Marak Samanda, Williamnagar.

4) 4. Shri. Changbat Marak, C/o Bendent Marak Dangkakurik, Williamnagar

5). Smt. Baia Dhar, 29 yrs C/o Deborah Dhar Shillong Nongtymai

6). Smt. Ialorin Shangpliang, 32 yrs C/o M Marbaniang Pokslay Mawsynram

7) Shri. Ibolang Kurumboi, 50 yrs C/o Nelinda Sokia Shillong

8). Shri. (Tiuk) Tiubok Lyngdoh, 41 yrs C/o redapul Lyngdoh Mawkyrwat.

9). Smt. Dary Paroing, 41 yrs C/o M Marbaniang Shillong Mawprem Lumshoit

10). Smt. Suraia R Sangma, 40 yrs D/o Agu Sangma Resubelpara.

11). Shri. Emmanuel Marak, 34 yrs C/o Marchina Marak Warima, Williamnagar

12). Smt. Nikchira T Sangma, 20 yrs C/o Portina Sangma Maljanggre, Garobada

13). Shri. Edman Pawa, 38 yrs C/o Nodamki Bisom Samanda, Williamnagar.

14). Shri. Pukan Marak, 24 yrs C/o Tian Sangma Nengkhra, Williamnagar.

15). Shri. Chigam Sangma, 22 yrs C/o Bolendro Sangma PHE Colony, Williamnagar

16). Smt. Chigatchi Sangma, 21 yrs C/o Sumilson Sangma Rajabala Abima, W.G Hills.

My heart goes out to the passengers injured in the unfortunate MTC bus accident at Nongchram Bridge. I wish them a speedy recovery. I extend my condolences to the families of those whose lives were lost. I pray the Almighty give them solace & strength during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/SRfOeiwqAR

— James K Sangma (@JamesSangma1) September 30, 2021