In a tragic incident, two female choir members of Umdang Presbyterian Church, located in West Khasi Hills, died on the spot after the Bolero pickup they were travelling in toppled at Mawkumkha village today.
The two deceased were identified as Dearly Daffodil Rashir and Sonamika Ryntong, both residents of Umdang village.
Around 33 passengers were onboard and those on the truck bed suffered major injuries. Rashir was studying for an MSW in Shillong while Ryntong was preparing for her Class 10 board exams in Umdang.
The choir members, who were in the 15-25 age group, were heading to Mawkumkha to attend the Rilyngngam Presbytery service hosted by Mawkumkha Presbyterian Church.
The incident occurred at around 10am. According to eyewitnesses, the pickup reached Mawkumkha and the driver was about to park the vehicle but it toppled off the edge.
The other choir members who sustained major injuries were taken to Nongstoiñ Civil Hospital. Another four patients were transported to NEIGRIHMS for treatment.
Ryntong’s teacher, B Rashir, said that she was one of the brightest students and would always top her class, as well as being obedient and never missed a class.
