Guwahati, Nov 13 : The mini-bus involved in a collision with a container truck near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park had a history of traffic violations, with 12 challans worth Rs 38,500 already paid and another penalty of Rs 4,000 pending, police said on Friday.
The accident, which occurred on Thursday, claimed 23 lives, Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnanil Deka said, adding that preliminary investigations indicated overspeeding and violation of traffic restrictions in the Kaziranga area.
According to police, the Traveller mini-bus was travelling at a very high speed before colliding with the container truck.
Investigators suspect that the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the fatal collision.
“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. Details regarding the injured and the identities of all the deceased were also being verified.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the tragedy, saying the loss of lives had deeply shaken the state.
In a post on social media platform X, Sarma said the government’s immediate priority 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,” he said.
The chief minister added that Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, had reached the accident site and was personally monitoring rescue and relief arrangements.
Bora said he came across the aftermath of the accident while returning from Guwahati and joined local residents in rushing the injured to hospitals.
The accident took place in the Kaziranga area on Thursday, triggering rescue operations involving local residents and authorities.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the exact circumstances leading to the collision, including the vehicle’s speed, alleged violation of traffic restrictions and the number of passengers on board.
