Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 22:45 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Nov 13, 2026 17:03 [IST]
GUWAHATI, (IANS): The mini-bus involved in
the devastating collision with a container truck near Assam's Kaziranga had a
history of traffic violations, with 12 challans amounting to Rs 38,500 already
paid and another Rs 4,000 penalty still outstanding, officials said on Friday.
The horrific accident claimed 23 lives, Golaghat Senior
Superintendent of Police Swapnanil Deka said, adding that preliminary
investigations pointed to overspeeding and violation of traffic restrictions in
the Kaziranga area.
According to the police, the Traveller mini-bus was
moving at a very high speed before the accident.
Investigators
suspect that the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal
collision 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 said the exact number of passengers travelling in
the mini-bus was yet to be ascertained. Further details regarding the injured
and the identities of all the victims are awaited.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed
profound grief over the tragedy and said the devastating loss had shaken the
entire state. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the
government's immediate focus was to ensure the best possible medical treatment
for those injured in the accident.
"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 the
relief and rescue arrangements.
Bora said he came across the aftermath of the tragedy
while returning from Guwahati and joined residents in rushing the injured to
hospitals.
The accident occurred in the Kaziranga area on Thursday.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish
the precise circumstances that led to one of the region's worst road tragedies.
