23 Killed As Truck Collides With Mini-Bus In Assam’s Kaziranga, Toll May Rise

At least 23 people were killed after a container truck collided head-on with a speeding mini-bus in Assam’s Kaziranga on Friday. Most of the passengers travelling in the mini-bus were reportedly students. The death toll is feared to rise as rescue teams continue to retrieve bodies from the wreckage.

The mini-bus was travelling from Bokakhat towards Nagaon when the accident took place. The impact left the vehicle severely mangled, trapping several passengers inside.

Local residents and police personnel joined the rescue operation soon after the collision. The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital, while those in critical condition were referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.

Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Swapnaneel Deka confirmed that 23 people had died, adding that the exact number of passengers on board was not yet known.

"We have got a preliminary report that 23 people died in the accident. We are all at the spot, and bodies are being retrieved from the bus, so the number of deaths is likely to rise," Deka said.

Police Suspect Mini-Bus Driver Lost Control

According to SSP Deka, the mini-bus was allegedly travelling at a high speed and had violated restrictions imposed near the national park. Police suspect the driver lost control before the vehicle crashed into the container truck.

"The bus was running at very high speed, violating restrictions imposed near the park. We think that the accident took place when the driver of the mini bus lost control, and the vehicle collided with the container truck," he said.

Details of the vehicle's traffic challans have also emerged. The mini-bus, identified as a Traveller, reportedly had 12 challans that had been paid, amounting to Rs 38,500. Another challan of Rs 4,000 remains unpaid.

The outstanding penalty is reportedly the applicable fine in Assam for overspeeding by a commercial vehicle.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Expresses Grief

Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, reached the accident site and was overseeing the rescue and relief operations.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of lives, saying the tragedy had shaken the state.

In a post on X, Sarma conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the people of Assam stood with them during the difficult time.

The government's immediate concern was to ensure that the injured are given the best medical treatment promptly, he said. The Chief Minister also said that Minister Atul Bora had been on the spot overseeing the relief arrangements.

Sarma prayed for the early recovery of all those injured and strength to the families of the deceased.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

[email protected]

Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

Read More