Raiganj, April 16 -- At least 30 passengers were injured in a major road accident on Thursday afternoon when a speeding passenger bus lost control, hit a roadside divider and overturned on the Raiganj-Balurghat state highway near Pranabananda More in Kaliyaganj, North Dinajpur district.
According to reports, the bus was travelling from Kaliyaganj to Raiganj and was carrying a large number of passengers.
Eyewitnesses and passengers alleged that another bus on the same route was attempting to overtake from behind at high speed. Amid the rush, the driver of the ill-fated bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into the divider and overturn. Local residents, along with police personnel, rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations.
The injured were immediately shifted to Kaliyaganj State General Hospital. Hospital sources said that 18 passengers are currently undergoing treatment, while around 12 others were discharged after receiving first aid. The accident led to a complete halt in vehicular movement on the busy stretch for more than an hour, triggering severe traffic congestion in the area.
Leaders from various political parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and CPI(M), visited the hospital and interacted with the injured.
TMC candidate Nitai Baisya said he rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news and assured assistance.
BJP leader Gauranga Das also termed the incident alarming and expressed support for the victims. A senior officer of Kaliyaganj police station said the exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. An investigation has been initiated.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.