TURA: Around 25 people of a Shillong-bound Tura bus sustained injuries after the vehicle collided with a building causing severe damage to both. Three out of 25 passengers have been declared as serious and rushed to Guwahati for further medical care. The incident happened at 11 pm on Friday near Leila village in Goalpara, Assam.
According to locals and Dudhnoi police (the PS under which the accident happened), the incident occurred when the driver lost control of the bus, averted an 11KV transformer before hitting the office of the All Rabha Students Union (ARSU) denting the building as well as the bus.
The ‘Millennium’ bus had left Tura at about 8:30 pm and was en route to Shillong.
“They averted a major disaster by a whisker. If the bus had hit the transformer the number of casualties would have been huge. Thankfully this did not happen,” said a local from Leila.
Locals from near the place of the incident immediately rushed to the spot to assist those with injuries, while also informing the police team.
“Those with injuries were immediately rushed to Goalpara for medical care before most of them were taken to Guwahati. Three, including the driver of the vehicle are said to be serious and are in Guwahati,” said the local.
“Timely support of the victims ensured there were no major problems and the people need to be complimented for their Good Samaritan work,” said a police source of Assam.
Meanwhile six victims of the accident, who are currently in Goalpara have been identified as Minlikhi Sangma, Ram Newar, Nirmal Thapa, Jopsingh Marak and Nur Islam. All of them sustained minor injuries.
Meanwhile upon being contacted, the DC of West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi said that he was aware of the incident and was seeking more information on what happened.
“We will extend all support in taking care of the victims in cohesion with the authorities of Goalpara district,” said Bakshi.