Three people were killed and as many as 16 were left injured after a milk tanker sped through a crowd at Ranipool in Sikkim's Gangtok district, police said on Sunday. The incident happened when a crowd gathered at a ground to play Tombola. The tank ploughed into the crowd early morning on Saturday, the PTI reported.
All the injured people were rushed to the Central Referral Hospital where two people were declared dead by doctors and another person succumbed to injuries at the hospital, police said. Doctors also said that the condition of five others was serious.
Meanwhile, the driver of the milk tanker has been arrested and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Sing Tamang expressed sorrow over the tragic incident. He said he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred in Ranipool and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the victims who lost their lives in the 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.