EFI condoles Meghalaya deaths

The Evangelical Fellowship of India expresses its shock and grief over the death of 16 Christians in Meghalaya state in North East India.

As per reports by media, at least 16 Christians were killed and over 50 were injured when a truck carrying them overturned in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in the morning hours on 26 February 2017.

The mishap took place around 8.30 am at Nongspung village, 11 km from the district headquarters of Nogstoin on the road to Shillong even as the Christians were on their way to the Annual meet on the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod.

The truck carrying the Christians overturned after the driver lost control of the same and hit a concrete railing, throwing most of the passengers in a deep gorge.

Authorities have told the media that 12 people died on the spot and four other succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Nine out of the deceased were women, including a 13-year-old girl.

Fifty others including the driver and the helper of the truck have been seriously injured and have been rushed to nearby hospitals including the Shillong Civil Hospital.

The authorities have said that they are investigating the cause of the incident.

The EFI community conveys its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families. It has also offered to assist in the treatment of those with serious injuries and requests that prayers be mobilized for the families of the deceased and for the complete recovery of the injured.

May the peace that proceeds from the God of all comfort be our portion at this time, even as we collectively grieve the loss of our sisters and brothers in Christ.

Issued by,

Rev. Vijayesh Lal,
General Secretary,
EFI