A devastating accident in North Sikkim has resulted in the death of one tourist and left eight others missing after a vehicle plunged into the Teesta River. The incident occurred on Thursday night, May 29, 2025, between Chungthang and Munshithang, when the tourist vehicle veered off the road and fell approximately 1,000 feet into the river.

The vehicle was carrying 11 people, including 10 tourists and the driver. The tourists were reportedly from various parts of India, including Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. Among the missing is Itishree Nayak Jena, a BJP leader from Odisha's Jajpur area, who was traveling with her family.

Following the accident, rescue operations were immediately launched by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sikkim Police, and local administration. Divers and high-altitude rescue units have also been deployed to assist in the search. As of Friday, May 30, one body has been recovered, and two people have been rescued in critical condition. The survivors have been shifted to hospitals in Chungthang and Gangtok for medical treatment. The search continues for the remaining eight missing individuals amidst challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, with the Teesta River swollen due to recent heavy rains.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his condolences and assured that the government is committed to providing all possible support to the victims and their families. He stated that rescue operations began immediately, with dedicated efforts from the police, ITBP, fire and medical teams, and local volunteers. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also taken cognizance of the incident and is coordinating with the Sikkim government to expedite rescue efforts. A specialized rescue team from Odisha has been dispatched to Sikkim to assist in the operation.

Authorities have cordoned off the area and are advising tourists to avoid traveling on the Lachen-Lachung route until further notice. Details regarding the cause of the accident are still awaited as investigations are underway. The Mangan District Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims as official procedures and family notifications are still in progress.