Shillong, Apr 21: A rockslide in Mawlieh, Pynursla, claimed the lives of two men on Monday evening after boulders collapsed onto their vehicle.
The incident occurred around 5pm, where falling debris partially buried the car and trapped the occupants inside.
Following a recovery operation, local officials identified the victims as 40-year-old Wanbor Nianglang, a Pynursla resident and husband of Fausta Thabah, and the driver, 46-year-old Nangteibor Khongthohrem.
Originally from Amlarem, Khongthohrem had been residing in Lumwahniai village, Pynursla, following his marriage to Teibha Khonglam.
Authorities confirmed that the sudden slide was likely precipitated by the recent inclement weather in the region.
Meanwhile, authorities of Pynursla civil subdivision stated that the said stretch of NH-260 from Laitlyngkot upto Mawlieh will stay closed for all kinds of traffic.
The restriction shall remain in force until a thorough inspection and ground safety assessment is conducted by the competent authorities and the said under-construction road is certified fit for public use or a report with corrective suggestions is submitted.
Officials have also been directed to erect barricades and place proper warning signages at both ends of the affected stretch, deploy personnel to regulate traffic and prevent entry and disseminate information to the general public through appropriate means.
Furthermore, the Hynñiewtrep Youths Council (HYC), filed a letter petition in public interest before the Meghalaya High Court seeking urgent intervention regarding the increasing number of road accidents along the Shillong–Pynursla–Dawki Road following the commencement of ongoing road widening and construction works.
The pressure group stated that the road has become increasingly dangerous for commuters due to unsafe construction conditions, including the absence of proper warning signs, barricades, reflective indicators and poorly managed road diversions at several locations.
According to the HYC, several stretches of the road have become particularly hazardous, resulting in multiple accidents, injuries and damage to vehicles.
