By Our Correspondent
Guwahati, Nov 13: At least 26 people were killed and several others injured when a speeding minibus collided head-on with a container truck in Golaghat district of Assam on Friday afternoon.
The devastating accident took place at Rongajaan near Kaziranga National Park, when the minibus was travelling from Bokakhat to Nagaon.
The impact mangled the bus completely, trapping passengers inside the wreckage. Local residents rushed to the spot and pulled out the injured before rushing them to Kohora Model Hospital, where several are still battling for life.
Officials said the minibus had a history of traffic violations, with 12 challans amounting to Rs 38,500 already paid and another Rs 4,000 penalty still outstanding.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the minibus was over speeding in violation of traffic restrictions in the Kaziranga area. The driver, who was moving at a very high speed, lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal collision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each of those killed, and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the mishap in Golaghat district of Assam. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed profound grief, saying the devastating loss had shaken the entire state. He said the government’s immediate focus was to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
