Guwahati: The death toll in Friday’s head-on collision between a passenger Traveller and a trailer truck near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park has risen to 23, including college students.
The accident occurred at Rangajan near Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range along National Highway 715. The Traveller, which was carrying around 40 passengers, was travelling from Jorhat towards Guwahati when it collided with the truck.
“The death toll is rising very fast. As per the latest information, doctors have confirmed that 23 people have died in the accident. The identities of the dead are being ascertained now,” an Executive Magistrate of Golaghat district said.
The injured passengers were initially taken to Kohora Model Hospital near the accident site. Of them, 13 have been referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
The collision severely damaged the Traveller, trapping several passengers inside and prompting rescue operations.
Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, who arrived at the scene soon after the accident, said the damage to the minibus suggested that it was travelling at high speed. He added that the investigation would establish the circumstances that led to the collision.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the incident and said the government’s priority was to ensure that the injured received medical care without delay. He added that Atul Bora was at the site supervising the relief arrangements.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families. She prayed for peace for those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery for the injured.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also condoled the deaths in a post on social media and wished the injured a speedy recovery.