A minibus and a container truck collided on National Highway 715 near Kaziranga National Park on Friday.
At least 23 people died and 20 others were injured following a collision between a minibus and a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on Friday, according to reports from Hindustan Times and Rediff.
The accident took place at Rangajan near Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range on National Highway 715. The minibus was travelling from Jorhat to Nagaon, while the container truck was heading towards Upper Assam.
Among the deceased are two women and several college students who were returning from their classes. An executive magistrate of Golaghat district stated that the identities of the dead are being ascertained and the death toll could rise further.
Police suspect the minibus was travelling at a very high speed and violating restrictions near the park. Officials believe the driver lost control of the vehicle before it hit the truck.
Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, arrived at the site to supervise relief and rescue operations. Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka said senior civil and police officials rushed to the spot to assist.
The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital, with many critically injured people referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, Bokakhat, and Golaghat for advanced treatment.
