A devastating vehicle accident near Aizawl in Mizoram claimed the lives of three central government officials, while their driver sustained critical injuries when their car plunged into a steep ravine on Thursday. The officials were travelling back to the state capital following a visit to a tourist destination. Post-mortem examinations have been arranged, after which the mortal remains of the senior officials will be transported to their native towns in Manipur.
Vehicle Falls into Ravine During Return Journey
The tragedy took place in Mizoram's Aizawl district near Sialsuk, a prominent tourist location situated roughly 65 km from the capital city. The officials were on their return journey toward Aizawl when their vehicle veered off the road and plummeted into a deep gorge near Sataek village, located about 30 km south of Aizawl. The drop down the hillside left the vehicle severely damaged.
Identities of Deceased Officials and Driver
The victims were identified as senior functionaries and staff associated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Among them was Dr Engam Pame, who served as Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Regional Office in Imphal. The accident also claimed the lives of Nampibou Marinmai, Director (News) at Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl, and H Lianvela, a Multi-Tasking Staff member posted at the CBC Field Office in Aizawl.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Gojendro Dey from the CBC in Aizawl, survived the crash with severe injuries. Emergency responders evacuated him to the Zoram Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) at Falkawn near Aizawl, where he remains under treatment. Official statements confirmed that after completing autopsy procedures, the bodies of Dr Pame and Marinmai are scheduled to be flown or driven to their homes in Manipur on Friday.
Rescue Undertaken in Treacherous Terrain
Recovery efforts immediately encountered major obstacles due to the rugged topography and steep gradients surrounding Sataek village. Personnel from the Sialsuk Police joined hands with volunteers from the Young Mizo Association (YMA) to access the wreckage and recover the victims from the bottom of the gorge. Investigating authorities stated that the primary cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and inquiries are underway to ascertain how the car went off the road.
Governor Expresses Grief Over Tragic Loss
Mizoram Governor General (Retd.) Vijay Kumar Singh conveyed deep sorrow regarding the fatalities, characterizing the incident as an irreparable blow to the government's media and public communication network. In an official condolence message, the Governor paid tribute to Dr Engam Pame, Nampibou Marinmai, and H Lianvela, offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, their professional peers, and personnel across the PIB, CBC, and Doordarshan.
According to police details, Dr Pame had travelled to Mizoram to attend meetings convened by the Inter Media Publicity Coordination Committee (IMPCC) and to oversee administrative tasks involving the recruitment of a translator for the PIB office in Aizawl.
