Kaziranga Road Accident Death Toll Climbs to 23; Mini-Bus Had History of Traffic Violations

Photo: IANS

Guwahati: The death toll in the horrific collision between a Traveller mini-bus and a container truck near Assam's Kaziranga has risen to 23, with preliminary investigations pointing to overspeeding and violation of traffic restrictions in the area, officials said on Friday.

Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnanil Deka said the mini-bus involved in the accident had a history of traffic violations. The vehicle had 12 challans amounting to Rs 38,500, which had already been paid, while another penalty of Rs 4,000 remained outstanding.

According to police, the mini-bus was travelling at a very high speed when the accident occurred. Investigators suspect that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it collided with the container truck.

"The bus was running at very high speed and was violating restrictions imposed near the park. We believe the driver lost control before the vehicle collided with the container truck," Deka said.

Police are yet to establish the exact number of passengers travelling in the mini-bus. Further details about those injured and the identities of all the deceased are also awaited.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying the loss of lives had shaken the entire state. In a post on social media platform X, he said the government's immediate priority was to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured.

"No words can ease their pain, but they should know that they are not alone. All of Assam stands with them in this hour of grief," Sarma said.

He added that Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, had reached the accident site and was personally monitoring rescue and relief operations.

Bora said he witnessed the aftermath of the accident while returning from Guwahati and joined local residents in rushing the injured to hospitals.

The accident took place in the Kaziranga area on Thursday. Police are continuing their investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the collision.