NEW DELHI, Nov 13: At least 24 people have been killed and seven others injured after a truck collided with a minibus in Assam’s Kaziranga on Thursday. The death count may rise further as several of the injured passengers are reported to be in critical conditions.
The accident took place at Rongajan, near Kaziranga, when a truck rammed a minibus travelling from Bokakhat to Nagaon. “The death toll is rising very fast. As per the latest information, doctors have confirmed that 23 people have died in the accident. The identities of the dead are being ascertained now,” an Executive Magistrate of Golaghat district said.
The impact of the collision left the minibus severely damaged, trapping several passengers inside the mangled vehicle. Police personnel and local residents rushed to the accident site and launched rescue operations to pull out those trapped in the wreckage.
The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital for medical treatment. “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 minibus lost control, and the vehicle collided with the container truck,” Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka said.
Rescue operations are continuing at the site.
“I am deeply distressed by the tragic accident in Kaziranga earlier today. The scale of this loss has shaken all of us, and my heart goes out to every family that has lost a loved one. No words can ease their pain, but I want them to know that they are not alone. All of Assam stands with them in this hour of grief,” said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“Our foremost priority now is to make sure the injured receive the best possible medical care without delay. Hon’ble Minister Shri
@ATULBORA2 is at the site and personally overseeing the relief arrangements. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured and for strength for the bereaved families,” he added.
(Manas Dasgupta)