Kolkata, June 21: A devastating road accident in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Sunday resulted in the deaths of four individuals, while 57 passengers sustained injuries. Among the injured, 10 are reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred on National Highway-27 in the Ulladabari area of Maynaguri, where a bus operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) collided with the rear of a trailer parked by the roadside.
According to police reports, the injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals, with serious cases receiving immediate medical attention. Tragically, four individuals succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. One of the deceased has been identified as Sajal Sarkar, while the identities of the other three victims remain unknown.
Jalpaiguri Superintendent of Police Sujata Kumari Veena Pani confirmed the fatalities. Reports indicate that 37 of the injured are being treated at Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital, while 20 others have been admitted to Maynaguri Rural Hospital.
Initial investigations reveal that the NBSTC bus was traveling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar and had just crossed the Teesta Bridge when it struck the rear of the stationary trailer in the Ulladabari area. The impact was so severe that the front of the bus became wedged into the trailer. Several passengers seated at the front were trapped in the wreckage.
Local residents were the first to arrive at the scene, initiating rescue efforts. Following the incident, police, fire department, and ambulance teams also arrived promptly.
During the lengthy rescue operation, responders used cutting tools to free trapped passengers. The injured were rushed to hospitals, with doctors reporting severe injuries to various parts of the body, including the head and chest.
Subal Chandra Ghosh, officer in charge of Maynaguri Police Station, stated that preliminary assessments suggest the bus collided with the trailer from behind. An investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced.
Traffic on the national highway was disrupted for a period following the accident, but was later restored with the assistance of cranes to remove the damaged vehicles. Police are now examining whether the collision was due to driver negligence, excessive speed, or other factors.
Leave a Comment