A devastating road accident on National Highway-6 in Assam's Sribhumi district claimed two lives and left 25 others injured, several critically, early Saturday morning. The tragedy unfolded when a passenger bus collided head-on with a speeding dumper, causing widespread panic and severe damage to both vehicles.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred around 6 am near Silchar, when the bus, carrying approximately 50 passengers, lost control after the impact and plunged into a roadside ditch. The force of the collision left the bus mangled, trapping many passengers inside and creating a scene of chaos and distress.
Victims and Immediate Response
The two passengers who died on the spot have been identified as Niranjan Das (50) and Tapan Biswas (52). Among the 25 injured, five are children, and seven individuals are reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives in local hospitals.
Local residents, working alongside police personnel, swiftly responded to the emergency. They rescued the injured and transported them to the Sribhumi Government Hospital and Silchar Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical attention. Doctors at these facilities have confirmed that several of the injured patients are under intensive observation due to the severity of their injuries.
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
Police have seized both the bus and the dumper as part of their investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that overspeeding by both vehicles was the likely cause of the head-on collision. Authorities are examining all aspects of the accident to determine the exact sequence of events and any potential negligence involved.
Background of the Victims
According to sources, all the victims are residents of Nagaon district. They had traveled by the Guwahati-Sairang train and disembarked at Badarpur railway station. From there, they hired the traveler bus to reach Bazaricherra in Sribhumi district to attend a religious 'kirtan' program, making the tragedy even more poignant for the community.
Community Reaction and Demands
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with local residents expressing deep sorrow and outrage. Many are demanding stricter enforcement of traffic rules and immediate measures to curb reckless driving on highways. There is a growing call for improved road safety protocols to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.
This accident highlights the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and stricter regulations on Assam's highways, particularly in high-traffic areas like NH-6. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and hopes for the recovery of those injured.
