In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, a collision between a passenger bus and a high-speed coal-laden truck near the Balijan area at Dergaon on National Highway 37 has left at least 12 people dead and over 37 others injured. The accident occurred around 5 am on the highway that connects Guwahati city with Upper Assam.
The ill-fated passenger bus, carrying 49 people en route to the renowned Tilinga temple in Tinsukia district, met its tragic fate when it collided head-on with the speeding truck from Margherita in Upper Assam. The collision claimed 12 lives on the spot, with the majority of the passengers hailing from Bharalukhuwa village in Golaghat.
Local residents immediately sprung into action, initiating rescue operations and assisting in transporting the injured to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his condolences to the grieving families and assured that the local administration is providing support to those injured.
Transport Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya expressed deep shock over the incident and took to social media to convey his condolences. A team of top officials, including the special director-general of Assam Police, inspector general (Law & Order), and representatives from various agencies, rushed to the scene to provide necessary assistance.
President Draupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow over the sudden loss of lives and injuries, offering heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed anguish and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, along with Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
Golaghat Deputy Commissioner P Uday Praveen informed reporters that ongoing repairs on one side of the national highway forced vehicles from both directions to use a single lane, contributing to the tragic collision. Eyewitnesses reported that the coal-laden truck, rushing at high speed, collided with the bus, exacerbated by the foggy morning weather.
Local authorities are currently investigating the accident to determine the exact causes. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching incident, the nation mourns the lives lost and prays for the swift recovery of those injured in this tragic collision.
