The driver lost control on the truck that was carrying  12 people. The truck hurtled off the road into a deep gorge near Champhai town in Mizoram state claiming six lives and seriously injuring the rest.  The northeastern part of India shares its border with Burma.

According to sources in Champhai, the truck traveling at high speed was flung into a 200 feet deep gorge. 

Those who died on the spot have been identified as Ms J. Simawii (17), Biakrokungi (19), Ngurthanhranga (age unknown) and Ms. Mawitei (18) from Chin state, Burma. One victim could not be identified. The other died later in hospital.

Most of the dead are from Leilet village in Falam town, Chin state and are weavers, housemaid and manual workers in Mizoram.

Kaptea, the truck driver from Chin, also sustained slight injures on his chest. Injured Lalremsangi from Leilet who was admitted to Champhai hospital died at around 9 a.m. yesterday.

Among the other injured are Lalengzuali (17) from Burma who was admitted to Chaiphai hospital and Laldinsanga (21) to Aizawl hospital. - KNG