At least 12 people were killed while 30 others were injured after a head-n collision between a bus and a coal-laden truck in Assam's Golaghat district, said Rajen Singh, Golaghat Superintendent of Police. The incident took place at around 5 am in Balijan area near Dergaon in Golghat, the SP added.
The bus, with 45 people onboard was going towards Tilinga Mandir from the Kamarbandha area of Golaghat district while the truck was coming in the opposite direction from Jorhat's side when the two collided in the Balijan area, Singh told the news agency.
The SP said that 10 bodies were recovered from the site and sent to Community Health Centre in Dergaon.
27 wounded people were referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital where two people succumbed to their injuries, he added.
"The truck was coming from the Jorhat direction on the wrong side as a portion of the four-lane highway got damaged. The bus was on the right track. There was fog and both the vehicles were at high speed," said an official from a local police station, according to PTI.
After the incident, the locals rushed to the site and engaged in rescue operations, the report said.
"Our investigation is on and we will take actions as per law," Singh said.
A senior doctor at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital told reporters that 30 injured were undergoing treatment at the health facility, as per a PTI report.
"The condition of some of the injured is critical. We are monitoring them," she added.
CM Himanta Expresses Anguish, PM Announces Ex Gratia
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his anguish at the accident and offered his condolences to the bereaved families, said his office in a statement. "The local administration is providing all necessary support to the injured in this difficult hour. Prayers for their swift recovery," said the CMO.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery for the injured, said the Prime Minister's Office on X.
An ex gratia of Rupees 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured was also announed by the PMO.