Guwahati: Residents blocked National Highway-27 near Sonapur on Sunday night in protest over the poor condition of the highway after a passenger vehicle collided with an oncoming truck, killing six people and injuring several others.
The protesters raised concerns over large potholes along the Sonapur stretch, alleging that the deteriorating road condition has contributed to frequent accidents in the area. They demanded immediate action from the authorities to address the road hazards and improve safety on the highway.
The protest continued for nearly three hours, causing significant traffic disruption along NH-27. Police and other officials reached the spot and engaged with the protesters as efforts were made to clear the road and restore normal traffic movement.
The accident occurred at Khetri in Sonapur when the passenger vehicle, travelling from Nagaon towards Guwahati, allegedly lost control after hitting a large pothole. The vehicle crossed the highway divider and collided head-on with a truck travelling in the opposite direction.
The impact severely damaged the passenger vehicle and trapped several people inside. Rescue personnel had to cut open the vehicle to evacuate those trapped.
Two passengers, identified as Inchan Ali of Kapatatka in Sonapur and Tafzul Ali of Kahikuchi in Dimoria, reportedly died on the spot.
Nine injured passengers were subsequently taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where three more were declared dead. The deceased included Golap Das and Jyotika Ronghang, while the identity of another victim was yet to be confirmed.
Two other injured passengers were reportedly undergoing treatment in the ICU.
Following the accident, Khetri police detained two NHAI officials for questioning, according to reports. The action came amid growing anger among residents over the condition of the highway.
Locals alleged that large potholes and deteriorating road conditions have made the Sonapur stretch accident-prone. They claimed that around 10 to 12 minor and major accidents occur daily in the area, although the figure could not be independently verified.
The road safety concerns came under renewed scrutiny after another accident was reported at nearby Dhupguri early Monday, where a goods-laden truck overturned on the highway.
Residents alleged that repeated accidents have resulted in deaths and serious injuries and demanded urgent repairs to the highway.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the collision and confirm the identities of all those killed in the accident.