KOHIMA — A private bus carrying students of St. Joseph College Jakhama (Autonomous) plunged approximately 40 feet off National Highway-29 near Kigwema Village on Wednesday, injuring most of the occupants.
The incident occurred around 2 pm while the bus was returning to Kohima after school. According to a college source, the driver lost control of the vehicle after hitting a pothole while overtaking another vehicle.
While there were no fatalities, one student sustained serious injuries and is currently in the ICU at a private hospital, sources said. Six to seven students received initial first aid at the Army Hospital in Zakhama before being transferred, along with the remaining injured students, to various hospitals in Kohima.
The Additional Superintendent of Police and the PRO of Kohima confirmed that most of the students are in stable condition, with some already discharged after receiving medical attention and some under observation.
The PRO stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, including whether alcohol played a role.
The Students’ Council of St. Joseph College Jakhama (Autonomous) has urged the public to disregard false information circulating on social media, assuring everyone that there were no casualties. They confirmed that, except for the student in the ICU, most of the injured are out of danger.