Mini bus collides with truck killing 24 people in Assam’s Kaziranga

Kaziranga: At least 24 people, including college students, were killed and several others injured when a mini-bus collided head-on with a container truck near Rangajan in Assam’s Kaziranga region, according to reports.

The accident occurred on National Highway 715, close to Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range. The mini-bus reportedly went out of control before crashing into the Karnataka-registered truck. Two of the deceased were identified as residents Atul Bora, 20, and Arun Kumar, 20. Women were also among those killed.

Police suspect that the mini-bus was travelling at excessive speed and may have violated local restrictions. The circumstances of the collision are being investigated. A report also alleged that the vehicle was carrying around 35 passengers despite having a seating capacity of 27, although this has not been established as an official finding.

The injured were taken to medical facilities, including the Kohora Health Centre. Critically injured passengers were shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Reports have given differing figures for the number of injured.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He said ensuring the best possible treatment for the injured was the immediate priority. State minister Atul Bora reached the accident site and coordinated rescue operations.

Sarma has directed Education Minister Ranoj Pegu to visit the area and said he would travel to the accident site on Saturday. The rising death toll and reports of possible speeding and overcrowding have intensified concerns over the circumstances behind the tragedy.