At least 23 killed in truck and minibus collision in Assam
The head-on accident occurred on National Highway 715 near Kaziranga National Park on Friday.
At least 23 people were killed and 20 were injured after a minibus collided head-on with a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on Friday, according to reports from The Federal and Pragativadi.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm at Rangajan in the Kohora range of Golaghat district along National Highway 715. The minibus, which was carrying over 35 passengers including students from Kaziranga High School, was travelling from Jorhat towards Nagaon when the collision happened.
Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Swapnaneel Deka confirmed the fatalities and noted that the death toll could rise. An Executive Magistrate of Golaghat district told reporters that the identities of the deceased, which include two women, are being ascertained.
Police suspect the minibus was running at a very high speed and violating restrictions near the park, causing the driver to lose control. The container truck was reportedly travelling towards Upper Assam at the time of the crash.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was "deeply distressed" by the accident and stated that the scale of the loss had shaken everyone. He noted that the priority is ensuring the injured receive medical care.
The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital, while those in critical condition were referred to hospitals in Bokakhat, Golaghat, and Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.