23 killed in minibus-truck collision near Kaziranga National Park in Assam; several college students among dead

AT least 23 people were killed, and 20 others were injured on Friday after a minibus and container truck rammed into each other near Kaziranga National Park in Assam, news agency PTI reported.

Several of the deceased were college students who were returning from their classes. The accident occurred at Rangajan, near Hathikuli Tea Estate in Kohora range, on National Highway-715, when the passenger vehicle 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 told PTI.

Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka told PTI that a swift rescue operation was launched, adding that all senior civil and police officials had rushed to the spot to help rescue the people.

The Magistrate warned that the death toll was expected to rise and that nine ambulances had been deployed to transport the injured to hospitals. "Doctors here have referred 20 people to Jorhat for advanced treatment," he added.

'The bus was running at very high speed'

The minibus travelling from Golaghat to Nagaon was running at a very high speed, violating restrictions near the park, a senior official said, adding that the container truck was going towards Upper Assam.

Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, rushed to the accident site and oversaw the relief and rescue operations.

The injured were taken to Kohora Model Hospital, while most of those in critical condition were referred to civil hospitals in Bokakhat and Golaghat, as well as Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, another senior official said.

"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.

Himanta Biswa Sarma expresses grief

In a social media post, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is deeply distressed by the tragic accident in Kaziranga earlier during the day.

"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," he added.

Sarma said the foremost priority now is ensuring 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.