10 die in Assam road accident

They were returning from a ghat where Chhath Puja festivities were being marked when the deadly collision took place in the Baithakhal area on NH 8 at around 7.30am, the police said

Ten people died in a road accident in Assam’s Karimganj district on Thursday after a speeding truck rammed into a three-wheeler, the police said.

The site in Karimganj, Assam, where 10 Chhath Puja pilgrims were killed as a truck rammed into a three-wheeler. (HT photo)

The people were returning from a ghat at around 7.30 am after celebrating the Chhath Puja when the deadly collision took place in the Baithakhal area on NH 8, according to the police.

Padmanabh Baruah, Karimganj superintendent of police, informed that the truck driver involved in the accident has been apprehended from a nearby area. However, he didn’t reveal details of the apprehended as the case is now under investigation.

Baruah further informed that nine people died on the spot and their bodies were sent to Karimganj Civil Hospital for post mortem. One person, who was critically injured, died an hour after admission at the same hospital, he said.

According to Patharkandi police, the deceased were identified as Duja Bai Panika, Salu Bai Panika, Garuv Das Panika, Shambhu Das Panika, Lalon Guswami, Puja Gorh, Deb Gorh, Sanu Ree, Manglae Karmakar and Tupu Karmakar.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma offered condolences to the affected families.

“I deeply mourn the tragic deaths of nine persons in an accident at Baitakhal, Patharkhandi this morning (Thursday). One injured [person] is in hospital. Assam police are trying to trace the driver of the truck who fled the scene after hitting the auto [rickshaw]. Condolences,” he tweeted.

Patharkandi legislature Krishnendu Paul on Thursday said CM Sarma has assured to provide compensation of ₹1 lakh each to the victims of the road accident.

In a social media post, Paul wrote, “Received a call from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the Pathetic Road Accident. He took details of the incident and further announced that rupees one lakh will be provided to the family members of each deceased to support them at this hour of grief.”