- At least 23 people feared dead after truck collided with minibus in Kaziranga
- Accident occurred at Rongajan, near Kaziranga, involving a truck and a minibus
- Minibus was severely damaged, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle
At least 23 people are feared to have been killed and several others injured after a truck collided with a minibus in Assam's Kaziranga on Thursday. The death count is likely to rise, with several injured passengers reported to be in critical condition.
The accident took place at Rongajan, near Kaziranga, when a truck rammed a minibus travelling from Bokakhat to Nagaon.
The impact of the collision left the minibus severely damaged, trapping several passengers inside the mangled vehicle. Police personnel and local residents rushed to the accident site and launched rescue operations to pull out those trapped in the wreckage.
"We have got a preliminary report that at least seven people were killed in the accident. We are all at the spot, and bodies are being retrieved from the bus, so the number of deaths is likely to rise," Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka told news agency PTI.
The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital for medical treatment. Several of them are believed to be critically injured.
"The bus was running at very high speed, violating restrictions imposed near the park. We think that the accident took place when the driver of the minibus lost control, and the vehicle collided with the container truck," he added.
Rescue operations are continuing at the site.
"I am deeply distressed by the tragic accident in Kaziranga earlier today. The scale of this loss has shaken all of us, and my heart goes out to every family that has lost a loved one. No words can ease their pain, but I want them to know that they are not alone. All of Assam stands with them in this hour of grief," said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
"Our foremost priority now is to make sure the injured receive the best possible medical care without delay. Hon'ble Minister Shri
@ATULBORA2 is at the site and personally overseeing the relief arrangements. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured and for strength for the bereaved families," he added.
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