At least 23 people were killed and seven others injured when a truck collided with a minibus near Kaziranga in Assam on Thursday. The death toll could increase, as some of the injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition.
The crash occurred at Rongajan, near Kaziranga, while the minibus was travelling from Bokakhat to Nagaon. The force of the collision severely damaged the vehicle and trapped several passengers inside.
Police personnel and local residents reached the spot and began rescue work. Bodies were being removed from the wreckage as the operation continued.
Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka said the initial information had indicated seven deaths, but the number was expected to rise as rescue teams continued retrieving victims from the minibus.
The injured passengers were shifted to Kohora Model Hospital for treatment. Several of them are believed to have sustained critical injuries.
Deka said the minibus appeared to have been travelling at a very high speed, in violation of restrictions imposed near the park. The preliminary assessment was that its driver lost control before the vehicle struck the container truck.
Rescue and relief operations remained underway at the accident site.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep distress over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died. He said the loss had affected the state and assured bereaved families that Assam stood with them during the difficult period.
The Chief Minister said the immediate priority was to ensure that the injured received the best possible medical care without delay. Assam Minister Atul Bora was present at the site and supervising the relief arrangements, he added, while praying for the injured to recover quickly and for strength for the affected families.
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