At least 24 people died and 11 others sustained injuries following a collision between a container truck and a bus in India’s northeastern state of Assam, according to police. The fatal crash occurred on Friday along a highway situated in the Golaghat district.
Details of the Crash and Victims
The incident took place near Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its one-horned rhinos, located approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) east of Dispur, the state capital. Officials confirmed that several children and the bus driver were among the fatalities. Swapnaneel Deka, the superintendent of police for Golaghat district, told Reuters that the death toll is expected to rise. He added that the bus was carrying about 30 passengers and headed to a neighboring district.
Official Reactions and Road Safety Concerns
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared on X that he felt deeply distressed by the tragic accident. The scale of the loss has shaken everyone, Sarma noted, expressing his condolences to the affected families and stating that the entire state stands with them. He also noted that local authorities deployed to the scene were actively overseeing relief operations to ensure the injured receive prompt medical treatment. India records some of the highest road fatality rates globally, with frequent accidents driven by poorly maintained vehicles and roads.
