Assam CM Suggests Drivers Health Emergency May Have Caused Kaziranga Accident
Assams CM Himanta Biswa Sarma links a tragic Kaziranga accident to a possible medical emergency of the driver, raising road safety concerns.
Guwahati, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Saturday that a severe road accident in Kaziranga may have been caused by a sudden medical emergency affecting the driver. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, prompting the CM to express his concerns over the increasing number of road accidents in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or another sudden health issue that led to a loss of control over the vehicle.
“The manner in which the accident occurred raises questions about whether the driver experienced an unexpected medical problem,” he noted. “It could have been a heart attack, stroke, or a sudden drop in blood sugar.” He emphasized that the true cause would only be determined after a comprehensive investigation and medical examination.
Sarma also highlighted the issue of overloading, revealing that the vehicle was carrying significantly more passengers than its capacity. While the vehicle was designed to accommodate around 26 passengers, reports indicate that nearly 40 individuals were onboard at the time of the accident.
Analysis of the incident’s video footage suggests that the driver lost control of the steering wheel suddenly. “If the vehicle had not collided with another, it could have veered off the road after the driver lost control,” he explained.
Addressing the rising trend of road accidents in Assam, Sarma stated that the state government must take stringent measures to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations more rigorously. He acknowledged that previous attempts to tighten traffic rules faced public criticism and political pressure, leading the government to reconsider some decisions.
“However, we cannot overlook this significant issue. The increasing number of road accidents is a serious concern, and stricter enforcement of traffic rules is essential,” he added.
The tragic event in Kaziranga serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve road safety across Assam, adhere to regulations, and drive responsibly.
