Six people, including an 18-month-old boy, were killed on Sunday and 27 people were injured when a government bus they were traveling in collided with a parked truck from behind in north Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, police said.
“The child has been identified as Bibek Saha. Two women, Pampa Saha and Jamuna Roy, and three men, Sajal Sarkar, Suvankar Sil and Shyamal Chandra Barman, have died,” said MP Shrinivas, Additional Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri.
He added, “Eight people are still in critical condition. All the dead and wounded were riding the bus. The driver was arrested.”
All the injured passengers – 15 men, 12 women and two children – were rushed to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) and Mainaguri Government Hospital. Two of them were declared dead upon arrival.
Police said the North Bengal State Transport Corporation bus, which was traveling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar, collided with a parked truck from behind at Oladabri, about eight kilometers from Mainaguri.
Jalpaiguri SP Sujata Kumari Beena Pani said prima facie, bad weather and slippery road conditions may have contributed to the accident.
“The exact reason will be known only after a detailed investigation,” a senior police officer said.
Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee expressed his condolences on X.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Mainaguri that has claimed the lives of many precious people and left many others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Prayers for the speedy recovery of all those injured. May strength and support reach every family affected by this tragedy,” Banerjee wrote.
