Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of 24 people in a major road accident near Kaziranga National Park in Assam’s Golaghat district and announced financial assistance for the families of those killed and injured.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. Those injured in the accident will receive Rs 50,000 each.
The announcement was made on November 13 following the tragic accident near Rangajan, close to Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range, along National Highway 715.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared the Prime Minister’s message expressing condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident in Assam’s Golaghat district. At this time of grief, I extend my condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in the statement.
The accident occurred when a passenger minibus collided head-on with a container truck. At least 24 people lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries in the collision.
Following the accident, the injured were initially taken to Kohora Model Hospital for treatment. Those in critical condition were subsequently referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for further medical attention.
Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, reached the accident site and supervised the rescue and relief operations. Bora said he came across the aftermath of the collision while returning from Guwahati and joined local residents in helping transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Preliminary police findings suggest that the minibus was travelling at high speed and may have violated traffic restrictions imposed in the Kaziranga area. Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka said investigators suspected that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it collided with the container truck.
Police have launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the accident. Authorities are also working to ascertain the precise number of passengers travelling in the minibus and other details related to the incident.
The accident has led to widespread grief across Assam, with political leaders and public representatives expressing condolences to the families of the victims. The incident has also renewed concerns over road safety along the National Highway passing through the Kaziranga region, where traffic restrictions and vehicle movement remain important considerations.
The Prime Minister’s financial assistance is expected to provide immediate support to the families of those who lost their lives and those recovering from injuries in the tragedy.