News - A tragic collision has claimed the lives of 23 individuals near Kaziranga.

In a devastating accident near the borders of Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, twenty-three people, including three children, lost their lives when a passenger minibus collided head-on with a container truck. The tragic incident unfolded in the Rongajaan area of Golaghat district, known for its strict speed regulations to protect wildlife crossing through designated animal corridors. Initial investigation by police suggests that the minibus was traveling significantly over the speed limit, leading to the driver’s loss of control before the crash. The minibus has a notorious history of traffic violations with past penalties amounting to Rs 38,500 paid, with an additional Rs 4,000 fine still pending. In the wake of the collision, several passengers sustained injuries and were quickly transported to local hospitals for urgent medical attention, while rescue teams, alongside community volunteers, ensured that the injured were extracted swiftly from the site and taken for care. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took to social media to express profound grief over the incident, acknowledging the profound impact of such a great loss on the community while ensuring that every possible medical care will be provided to those injured. Local State Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, the local legislator, also visited the scene to monitor ongoing relief efforts and assist in mobilizing the injured to hospitals, having encountered the aftermath during his journey back from Guwahati. Authorities are meticulously analyzing the accident's conditions, particularly emphasizing the minibus’s speed violations and broader traffic rule breaches. Roads across India remain perilous, with the roads ministry logging approximately 183,000 fatalities due to road accidents in 2025, equal to over 500 daily deaths. Contributing factors often include substandard infrastructure, poor vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue. The incident has left a community mourning and raises questions about adherence to road safety protocols in wildlife-sensitive zones. For more information, visit: https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/23-killed-in-assam-bus-truck-collision-1.500746491