From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: At least 7 persons were killed and around 35 injured in two bus accidents in Assam’s Goalpara district on Tuesday.
Six people were killed when a Guwahati-bound bus coming from Dhubri lost control and fell into a roadside ditch at Kuthakuthi under Dhupdhara police station in Goalpara district.
Police sources said the bus (bearing registration number AS-01-BC-2848) collided against an electricity pole and a tree beside the road before falling into the gorge around 7.30 am.
“Witnesses said the mishap did not happen due to over speeding but because of a suspected steering lock. The grievously injured persons have been referred to Gauhati Medical College Hospital,” a police official informed.
“Investigation into the incident is under way and that the formalities are being done,” he added.
A unit of lower Assam, Goalpara under the aegis of Indian Army had swung to the rescue and evacuation operation when they encountered the bus accident site on their way to their regular area of responsibility. “The immediate rescue operations led by the commanding officer and first-aid provided by the troops along with the locals, helped to control the death toll to six. Forty other passengers were evacuated from the site and provided medical attention,” a defence press statement issued here said.
In another incident, a speeding bus, on its way to Goalpara from Guwahati, mowed down a cyclist at Dudhnoi area in the district, killing him on the spot.
The police has seized both the buses and took the drivers into their custody.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condoled the death of the passengers and directed the Goalpara deputy commissioner to provide aid to the injured persons. (with PTI)