Four people were killed and 57 others injured when a passenger bus of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) crashed into a stationary trailer on National Highway 27 in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Sunday morning, police said.
The accident occurred in the Ulladabri area of Maynaguri when the bus, travelling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar, rammed into the rear of a trailer parked along the highway after crossing the Teesta Bridge.
Among the deceased, one was identified as Sajal Sarkar, while the identities of the remaining victims were yet to be established. Hospital authorities said at least 10 of the injured were in critical condition.
Passengers trapped in mangled bus
Jalpaiguri Superintendent of Police Sujata Kumari Binapani confirmed the fatalities and said several passengers sustained serious injuries. Of the injured, 37 were admitted to Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital, while 20 were undergoing treatment at Maynaguri Rural Hospital.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus was travelling at a high speed before the collision. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the vehicle became embedded in the rear of the trailer, trapping several passengers seated in the front rows.
Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the crash and began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. Personnel from Maynaguri Police Station, the fire services and ambulance teams later joined the operation.
Rescuers used cutting equipment to slice through the twisted metal of the bus and pull out trapped passengers.
Doctors treating the injured said many had suffered serious head, chest and multiple body injuries.
“Local residents were the first to assist in rescue operations. Police and administrative officials reached the scene shortly after receiving the information. The injured have been shifted to hospitals. An investigation has been initiated,” said Subal Chandra Ghosh, Inspector-in-Charge of Maynaguri Police Station.
The accident disrupted traffic on the busy highway for some time. Authorities later deployed cranes to remove the damaged vehicles and restore normal traffic movement.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether driver negligence or other factors were responsible.
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