Shillong, Feb 20: A schoolboy was killed and seven others seriously injured after a clinker-laden truck crashed into a stationary school bus near Byrnihat in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district on the morning of February 19.
The accident occurred around 8 am at 17th Mile when a bus belonging to Mount Zion Academy had stopped to pick up students. Police said a truck headed towards Guwahati rammed into the bus from behind while nearly 20 students were on board.
Seven children sustained critical injuries and were referred to hospitals in Guwahati for advanced treatment. Others with minor injuries were admitted to Byrnihat Primary Health Centre.
One of the injured students, identified as Maxwell Lyngdoh, later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital, a police officer confirmed.
The truck driver and his helper fled the scene immediately after the collision. Police have launched a manhunt to trace the duo and initiate legal action.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the impact was severe, leaving the rear portion of the bus extensively damaged. Authorities are probing whether overspeeding or negligence led to the crash.
The incident has renewed concerns over the movement of heavy vehicles along the busy Byrnihat–Guwahati stretch during school hours.
