President’s escort car meets with accident in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, July 15 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee's convoy on Friday was involved in an accident when one of the escort vehicles slipped into a ditch while on its way to Bagdogra in northern West Bengal.

Both Mukherjee and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was part of the convoy, are safe. The President is on a three-day visit to Darjeeling.

The accident happened when the convoy was heading towards the Bagdogra airport from Darjeeling. At least five security personnel sustained minor injuries in the accident.

"There is no reason to worry. Everybody is safe. The President is safe," said Banerjee, who herself supervised the rescue work.

"Car in President's carcade from Darjeeling to Bagdogra goes off road, minor injuries to security personnel," Rashtrapati Bhavan said in tweets.

"Unfortunate accident involving escort vehicle in convoy enroute to Bagdogra. Everybody is well by grace of God," it added.