Multiple Injuries Reported in Night Bus Accident Near Khetri
Accident Overview
The night bus at the accident site near Khetri before being towed away on Tuesday. (AT Photo)
Sonapur, Sept 1: A night bus traveling from Guwahati to Lakhimpur lost control early Tuesday morning, resulting in several passengers sustaining injuries as it veered off the road near Khetri in Dimoria.
This incident occurred just a day after a tragic accident on the same Khetri-Sonapur stretch of NH-27, which claimed the lives of seven individuals, raising serious concerns about the highway's safety.
During the latest accident, a woman suffered severe injuries, while other passengers were rescued and arrangements were made for their transfer to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Traffic police from Khetri arrived promptly at the scene to initiate rescue operations. The specific reasons behind the bus losing control are still under investigation by the authorities.
The recent crash follows a deadly incident in the Nalgedera area of Khetri, where seven people lost their lives and many others were injured late Sunday night.
Local residents have pointed to potholes and inadequate maintenance of the national highway as contributing factors to these accidents, reigniting discussions about the condition of the heavily trafficked Khetri-Sonapur route.
The fatal incident also sparked protests across Assam on Monday, with residents and various organizations criticizing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the poor state of the highways.
Protests escalated at the Nazirakhat Toll Plaza in Sonapur on Monday night after toll collection resumed, following a temporary suspension due to the protests regarding NH-27's condition.
During the day, the toll plaza was closed as local residents and organizations demanded that the NHAI complete repairs on the highway section between Khanapara and Jagiroad within a week, insisting that toll collection be halted until the repairs were finished.
However, when toll collection resumed in the evening, it led to renewed protests, with a large crowd gathering at the plaza to voice their discontent, resulting in authorities halting toll collection once more.
Reports indicate that toll collection at the Nazirakhat Toll Plaza resumed on Tuesday morning, accompanied by a significant police presence.
The recent accidents have highlighted broader road safety issues in the state. A review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota revealed that Assam recorded 4,219 road accidents and 1,008 fatalities from January to March 2026.
In light of the increasing incidents in certain districts, the Chief Secretary has instructed that after each accident, the District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, as part of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC), must conduct a thorough review and implement necessary corrective actions.