The death toll resulting from a severe vehicular collision in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam has climbed to seven after three more injured individuals passed away while receiving medical care. The fatal accident took place on Sunday evening along National Highway 27 near Tetelia in Sonapur, when a minibus crashed directly into an oncoming truck. Four people, which included a woman, lost their lives immediately at the crash site.
Hospitalization of Survivors and Vehicle Occupancy
An official stationed at the Khetri police station confirmed that three additional victims ultimately succumbed to the trauma sustained during the crash. At present, seven surviving passengers are receiving medical treatment at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Records indicate that a total of 14 people, comprising the minibus driver alongside the handyman, were inside the vehicle when the collision occurred, meaning every single occupant was impacted by the disaster. Conversely, the individuals occupying the truck managed to escape the incident completely unhurt.
Details Regarding the Collision and Investigation
According to Guwahati Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Safiqul Hussain, the minibus was traveling in the direction of Guwahati, whereas the truck moved in the opposite lane. Hussain explained that the passenger vehicle suddenly veered across the median divider before smashing into the truck. The driver allegedly lost control of the transport after striking a massive pothole situated on the highway, and law enforcement agencies are actively investigating this specific claim.
Public Outrage and Protests Over Highway Conditions
The tragic event sparked intense protests among local residents, who proceeded to block the highway on Sunday night to voice their anger regarding the deteriorated state of the road. Community members asserted that the specific stretch had transformed into an accident-prone zone as a direct consequence of neglectful maintenance, demanding urgent repairs to prevent further loss of life. A demonstrator pointed out that a sand-laden truck had tipped over on that exact same segment only days prior after plunging into a deep crater.
Ultimatum to Authorities and Traffic Congestion
Locals expressed deep frustration, noting that numerous accidents have transpired due to pathetic road conditions while authorities fail to act. The National Highways Authority of India operates a toll plaza located roughly one kilometer away from the crash location, prompting protesters to issue a stern warning that they would shut down the toll booth if the infrastructure is not repaired promptly. Furthermore, the disaster triggered severe traffic disruption, trapping hundreds of vehicles for several hours. Senior administrative officials arrived at the scene swiftly to clear the gridlock and manage the tense situation.
