Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday visited the accident site at Tetelia in Khetri, Sonapur, where seven people were killed in a head-on collision between a passenger vehicle and a truck on NH-27. Sarma, accompanied by senior police and administrative officials, announced a one-time ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the next of kin of the seven deceased. He also said the government would bear the medical expenses of those injured in the accident. The accident occurred on Sunday evening when a passenger vehicle travelling from Nagaon towards Guwahati reportedly hit a large pothole on the highway. The vehicle lost control, crossed the divider and collided with an oncoming truck.
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Several passengers were injured in the crash and were shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment. Police and rescue personnel reached the spot following the collision and assisted in evacuating the victims. During his visit, Sarma said a preliminary police inquiry indicated that inadequate maintenance of the highway stretch may have contributed to the accident. He said those found responsible for negligence would face action.
The Chief Minister also said the Chief Secretary had spoken to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) chairman, who assured that repair work on the affected stretch would be undertaken soon. The accident has renewed concerns over the condition of NH-27 in the Sonapur-Khetri area, with local residents demanding urgent repairs and accountability following the tragedy.
