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India: Three sisters and one priest killed in a road accident in Shillong

In a road accident, six people, including three sisters and one priest, died when a heavy truck carrying cement rammed into a four-wheeler (Bolero) at Umbang, Sumer, in Ri Bhoi district on February 26.

Father Mathew (53), Sister Melagrine Dantes FS (51), Sister Promila Turkey FS (28), Sister Rossie Nongrum FS (21) from Fatima convent in Barama and Baganpara,  Mairan, teacher from Barama St John’s HS School and the driver of the vehicle died on the spot. All three sisters are from the same congregation, the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima (FS).

Father Mathew Das was parish priest of Barama parish from the diocese of Bongaigaon.

A truck (bearing registration number WB 41G 7268), heading from Shillong, lost control and jumped over the other lane, ramming into a four-wheeler and heading in that direction at 2:30 pm.

Thomas Pulloppillil, bishop of Bongaigaon, expressed his sadness at the tragic incident and wrote, “With deep sadness, I inform you that a fatal accident struck father Mathew Das, parish priest of Barama Parish, three sisters of the Fatima convent in Barama and Baganpara, and a teacher at Barama St. John's High School near Nongpoh in Meghalaya. Srs. Melagrine Dantes, Promila Tirkey, Rossie Nongrum, Mairan (a teacher), and the driver are the deceased along with Father Mathew.”

“I received this shocking news at about 5 pm this afternoon, and further details regarding the bodies' arrival and the funeral will be announced later. May they rest in peace,” he added.

In the meantime, a police report has been filed on the incident.

 

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