Rockslide kills 2, injures 3 in Chümou; Dimapur-Kohima road closed to traffic, alternate route arranged

CM condoles loss of lives, announces ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh

DIMAPUR— In a tragic incident, a rockslide killed two people and injured three others after boulders fell onto their moving cars at Chümoukedima, near Chathe Bridge (Patkai Bridge) on Tuesday evening, confirmed a police officer.

One of the deceased identified as Temjennochet (55), a senior accountant with the Excise department, died on the spot, and Hav Thanghiu (48), a personnel of 3rd NAP attached to 1st NAP, succumbed to his injuries at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), said the police officer.

He said that the traffic control room received the report about the tragic incident at around 5:15 pm on Tuesday and rushed to the spot. He updated that three vehicles — Maruti Suzuki Alto LX, Tata Harrier and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – were damaged.

An update from police informed that Thanghiu, who was travelling in Maruti Suzuki Alto LX, succumbed to injuries while two other occupants, husband and wife, sustained injuries. All of them are from Nukunuking in Noklak district.

The driver of the second vehicle — Tata Harrier – involved in the incident sustained no injuries while the occupant, a 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu, sustained minor injuries.

However, Temjennochet of Changki village, who was travelling in the third vehicle — Wagon R — involved in the incident, died on the spot, said the update.

Rio announces financial assistance

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio condoled the loss of lives due to the rockslide and announced an ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased

“Today, rockfall on the National Highway at around 5pm between Dimapur and Kohima caused serious damage including death to 2 persons & serious injury to 3 others. This place has always been known as “pakala pahar”; known for landslides and rockfalls,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

Today, rockfall on the National Highway at around 5pm between Dimapur & Kohima caused serious damage including death to 2 persons & serious injury to 3 others. This place has always been known as “pakala pahar”; known for landslides & rockfalls. @nitin_gadkari @AmitShah @PMOIndia

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) July 4, 2023

“The state government is taking all necessary steps to provide emergency services, grant of ex-gratia for the deceased of INR 4 lakh each and the necessary medical assistance and help to the  injured,” he added.

The CM also conveyed his “deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for speedy recovery of those injured”.

“With the advancement of technology in India and the resources available to the GoI, there should be no compromise in ensuring safety of our citizens,” he wrote.

“The State Govt. will continue to pursue with the GoI and NHIDCL to take immediate steps for safety infra. at the dangerous locations all along the highway. It concerns the life and safety of our citizens. The agency concerned must put the required safety infrastructure in place,” he continued.

Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton too expressed grief over the tragic accident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Travel advisory

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, issued a travel advisory, informing that further rockslide or landslide cannot be ruled out along the Chümoukedima-Kohima National Highway stretch in view of the incessant rainfall.

“Therefore, in view of public safety concerns, all travellers along the said route shall be diverted to 7th Mile CMD Jn-Shokhuvi-Pimla-Mhainamti-Punglwa-Jharnapani-Medzhiphema and vice-versa by-pass route with immediate effect till further notice,” read the advisory.

Also read: Rockslide-hit Longleng-Changtongya road to be partially opened