KOLKATA: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday had a narrow escape as his cavalcade met with an accident along the Darjeeling hills in West Bengal.
On the way to Bagdogra airport from Darjeeling town, the third security vehicle in the President’s cavalcade suddenly skidded and fell into a ravine at Sonada, 30 kms from the hill resort. The accident happened immediately after Mukherjee’s limousine passed through the spot.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in the same cavalcade but was much behind and she could see the vehicle with five of the President’s security personnel falling into the ravine.
The Chief Minister immediately stopped the convoy and informed Mukherjee about the incident. By then, the President’s vehicle was diverted to a bungalow in Kurseong.
After completing his three-day tour of Darjeeling, the President was going to Bagdogra Airport to fly back to New Delhi accompanied by Mamata. The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend the National Security Council meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Saturday.
Interestingly, Mamata refused to leave the spot despite advice form her security guards and supervised the rescue operation.
The vehicle after going down around 100 feet came to a halt against a tree. Five security men suffered injuries. They were pulled out of the vehicle and shifted into an ambulance which is part of the President’s convoy.
“After Pranabda’s vehicle passed, the third car fell down as there was heavy rain and fog. I could see the accident happen. President is anxious. We will leave after the rescue operation is completed. We will all go together,” announced Mamata through a loud speaker at the spot.
President’s son and Congress Lok Sabha MP Abhijit Mukherjee was in a vehicle behind and was seen along with Mamata during the rescue operation.
After the trapped securitymen rescued from the vehicle, Mamata announced a reward for the commandos who did the job. The injured men were admitted to a hospital in Siliguri town.
Prime Minister Modi as well as Union Home Minister called Mamata to enquire about the accident and Modi praised Mamata for her efforts during the rescue operation.
The President’s departure was delayed but both Pranab and Mamata left for New Delhi later in the afternoon.