A devastating road accident in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district claimed six lives, including that of an 18-month-old child, after a government-run passenger bus rammed into a stationary truck on Sunday morning.
The North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus was travelling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar when it crashed into the rear of a parked truck near Ulladabri, about eight kilometers from Maynaguri. The impact left several passengers trapped and triggered a major rescue operation.
Police identified the deceased as 18-month-old Bibek Saha, Pampa Saha, Jamuna Roy, Sajal Sarkar, Suvankar Sil, and Shyamal Chandra Barman. Authorities said all six victims were travelling on the bus at the time of the accident.
In addition to the fatalities, 27 passengers sustained injuries, with eight reported to be in critical condition. The injured include 15 men, 12 women, and two children. They were rushed to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital and the Maynaguri Government Hospital for treatment. Two of the victims were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
According to police, the bus struck the truck from behind under circumstances that are still being investigated. The bus driver has been detained for questioning as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Jalpaiguri Superintendent of Police Sujata Kumari Beena Pani said preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions and a slippery road surface may have played a role in the accident. However, officials stressed that a detailed investigation is underway and the exact cause has yet to be established.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the state. Several political leaders and public figures expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The accident once again highlights concerns over road safety and the dangers posed by poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions during adverse weather, particularly on busy inter-district routes.
