Jowai, Aug 11: A Bolero Camper, allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol, caused a series of collisions on Saturday evening at Mihmyntdu village in West Jaiñtia Hills, leaving multiple vehicles damaged and several people injured.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. near the Mihmyntdu Durbar Hall. The Bolero Camper (registration ML 04 D 8952), driven by 25-year-old Dominic Pasi of Nongjngi village, was travelling from Lathlaboh towards Mihmyntdu at high speed when it first struck a Bolero (registration ML 01 7922) from the rear tyre. The latter vehicle, used by the District Transport Office (DTO) of East Jaiñtia Hills, sustained damage, though its driver and passengers escaped unharmed.
Following the initial collision, the Bolero Camper rammed into a local taxi (registration ML 04 D 7572) driven by 27-year-old Pyndap Dhar of Ialong village. The taxi suffered significant damage, and both the driver and a passenger sustained injuries. They were rushed to Jowai Civil Hospital in Ialong by passers-by.
The speeding vehicle continued for another 25–30 metres before hitting a parked Breeza (registration ML 04 D 8095), damaging its rear tyre. About 20–25 metres further, the Bolero Camper swerved to the right and collided head-on with another local taxi (registration ML 04 D 7427) driven by 45-year-old Lakhon Khariah of Nongjngi village, who was travelling in the opposite direction. Khariah was injured and admitted to Jowai Civil Hospital.
The chain of collisions ended when the Bolero Camper veered off the road and struck a parked local taxi (registration ML 04 A 0721), causing further damage.
Police said preliminary investigation revealed that Pasi was under the influence of alcohol and driving recklessly.
He was also admitted to Jowai Civil Hospital following the crash. All vehicles involved have been towed to the Police Reserve in Jowai for further investigation.
