Three persons were killed and 16 injured when a speeding milk tanker ploughed into a crowd at Ranipool in Gangtok district, police said on Sunday. A crowd had gathered at the mela ground Ranipool, about 11 km from here, to play tombola when the speeding milk tanker ploughed into them around 7.30 pm on Saturday, the police said.
The driver of the tanker has been arrested, they said.
All the injured persons were rushed to Central Referral Hospital where doctors declared two persons were brought dead and one succumbed to injuries at the hospital, they said.
Doctors at the hospital said the condition of the five of the injured was "serious".
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Sing Tamang said he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred in Ranipool.
He announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the tragic accident.
"We are committed to providing every possible support during this difficult time. My thoughts are with the injured and their families, and I sincerely pray for their swift recovery. I also extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and I pray for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace", the CM said in a post on Facebook.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
NDA Set For Landslide In Maharashtra, INDIA Set For Big Win In Jharkhand
97 Government Schools To Be Shut Down In Sikkim Due To Low Student Numbers Sikkim Manipal University, TISS Invite Applications For PhD Programmes, Check Details Sikkim's Lifeline Now Under National Highway Body, Not Bengal Government Election Results 2024 LIVE: With Thumping Win, Maharashtra Decides Real NCP, Sena "Moving Towards One Party, One Nation": Uddhav Thackeray On BJP Victory Election Results: Mahayuti Leads In Maharashtra "Only In Bengaluru": Landlord Turns Tech Advisor For Tenant Entrepreneur Robin Sharma -- Meet The Man Behind Eknath Shinde's Winning Campaign "Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain": PM Modi On 'Biggest Message' Of Polls Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.