In a major road accident in eastern Assam’s Sivasagar district, four forest workers were killed while two others sustained serious injuries early Friday morning.
The accident took place at Gaurisagar in the district.
The forest officials were returning to the headquarters after an expedition of chasing off wild elephants.
The Gypsy they were travelling bearing registration number AS-04-T-5737 met with the accident along National Highway 37 at Hatighuli Suntali and fell into a gorge.
Though the exact nature of the accident is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that the vehicle was knocked of some speeding heavy vehicle.
Those who were killed in the accident include Priyam Mech, the driver of the vehicle, Bipul Hazrika, a guard, and two forest workers Prasanta Dutta and Nizamuddin Ahemd.
The two critically injured include ranger of Sivasagar Forest division Bubul Barua andguard Nazimuddin.
They were administered first aid at the Sivasagar civil hospital and later shifted to Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
On the other hand, the dead forest workers have been sent to Sivasagar civil hospital for post mortem.
Meanwhile, Jayashri Naiding, the divisional forest officer (territorial) of Sivasagar has expressed deep shock at the incident and sent her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.