At least eleven people are said to be feared dead after a mini-bus carrying picnickers rammed into a truck in Dergaon’s Balijan area. As per reports, the incident took place at NH 37 at around 5 am when the bus collided head-on with a truck. The bus was on its way to Tinsukia’s Tilinga Mandir when the incident took place in Dergaon. Currently, 14 Killed and more than 24 passengers have been shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
The impact of the collision was immense, leaving the bus mangled and strewn across the road. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and a frantic rescue operation commenced. Grieving families and shocked onlookers gathered at the scene as injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals.
“The scene was chaotic and heart-wrenching,” said a police officer involved in the rescue efforts. “Many passengers were trapped inside the bus, and we had to work tirelessly to extricate them. The cries of the injured and the grief of the families were unbearable.”
While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, initial reports suggest speeding and potential driver fatigue as contributing factors. The coal-laden truck’s presence on the road at such an early hour is also being questioned.
This tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the Tilinga Mandir pilgrimage and the surrounding communities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety measures and responsible driving practices. As investigations continue, the families of the victims grapple with immense grief and loss.