A schoolboy was killed and seven other children were critically injured after a clinker-laden truck struck a stationary school bus near Byrnihat in Meghalaya’s Ri‑Bhoi district on the morning of February 19. The collision occurred at around 8:00 am at 17th Mile when the Mount Zion Academy bus had stopped to pick up students; police said a Guwahati‑bound truck rammed into the rear of the bus while nearly 20 students were on board.
Seven pupils with serious injuries were referred to hospitals in Guwahati for advanced treatment, while those with minor injuries were treated at Byrnihat Primary Health Centre. One of the critically injured students, identified as Maxwell Lyngdoh, later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital, a police officer confirmed.
The truck driver and his helper fled the scene immediately after the crash. Police have launched a manhunt to trace the two and have said legal action will follow once they are apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicate the impact was severe, leaving the bus’s rear badly damaged. Authorities are examining whether overspeeding or negligence contributed to the collision.
The incident has renewed concerns about heavy vehicle movement along the busy Byrnihat–Guwahati stretch during school hours. Police said the probe is ongoing and further details will be released as investigations progress.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/schoolboy-killed-seven-injured-after-truck-rams-school-bus-in-meghalayas-ri-bhoi-1348838-2026-02-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-20 08:33:00
