Mamata Banerjee oversees rescue ops as escort car for President fell into gorge in Darjeeling
Highlights
- Escort car for President Pranab Mukherjee fell into gorge in Darjeeling
- 6 securitymen rescued; ops overseen by Mamata Banerjee
- Ms Banerjee's convoy was just behind that of President's
An escort car for President Pranab Mukherjee fell into a gorge in Darjeeling today. All six security personnel traveling in the car were rescued in an operation that was overseen by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Ms Banerjee's convoy of cars was just behind that of President Pranab Mukherjee's as they drove downhill to Bagdogra from Darjeeling, where the West Bengal government had hosted a reception for him during his three-day visit.
Soon after the rescue mission got over, a tweet on the President's Twitter account said everyone, including the President, are safe.
The car fell off the road at Sonada while taking a sharp turn; there was heavy fog in the area.
Sources say it was the Chief Minister who raised an alarm about the car falling into a gorge. She kept talking to the security personnel while they were awaiting help. When some security officers asked her to proceed to Bagdogra, she refused to leave.
The President's daughter Sharmishtha and son Abhijit also helped in the rescue operations. The six security personnel rescued have been rushed to hospital.
After halting for a while, the long line of cars proceeded for Bagdogra again.