GUWAHATI: In a distressing incident on early Wednesday morning, a bus carrying 45 people collided with a coal-laden truck in Dergaon, Assam, leaving at least 14 dead and 27 with severely injuries.
Several individuals are also said to be in critical condition, and the bodies of the 14 deceased passengers have been sent for post-mortem examinations.
Reportedly, the fatal accident occurred around 5 am as the bus, en route to Tinsukia’s Tilinga Mandir, collided head-on with a truck traveling from Margherita, at Balijan village near Dergaon which falls under Golaghat district.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic incident, Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya extends heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
“Deeply shocked to learn about the tragic road accident in Balijan today morning which has taken 10 precious lives & injuring many! My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. I pray to almighty for the speedy recovery of the injured ones,” he wrote on a micro-blogging website.
The ill-fated journey began at 3 am when the group, on a pilgrimage to Tilinga Mandir, set out for their destination.
As they neared Tinsukia, tragedy struck when the coal-laden truck crashed into the bus on the national highway 37.
Police were quick to respond, rushing to the site, rescuing the injured, and transporting them to Jorhat Medical College.
Initial reports suggest that dense fog may have significantly reduced visibility, contributing to the accident.
Additionally, it is suspected that over-speeding on the part of the bus driver may have played a role in the fatal collision.
Two individuals among the 30 initially rushed to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.
The condition of four to five others remains critical, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities attempting to piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragic collision.
Authorities are committed to a thorough investigation to ascertain the precise causes of the collision, while efforts continue to provide medical care and support to the affected families during this challenging time.
This is a developing story and more details are awaited.
