A late-night accident in Jogighopa, Bongaigaon district, left one person dead and another missing on December 7 after a Bolero vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the Champawati River amid heavy fog. The incident occurred around midnight near Bowalimari, at the base of Bhairab Chura Hill.
The vehicle, carrying four passengers returning from a fair in Barpeta, was travelling from Kurshakati in Chapar along the Kabaitari–Salbari Gar–Kaptani route when thick mist severely reduced visibility. Unable to navigate the fog-covered stretch, the driver reportedly lost control, sending the vehicle plunging into the river.
Rescue teams launched an immediate search operation. Bakkar Ali of Naldoba in Kurshakati, Dhubri district, was recovered dead from the river, while two other occupants were pulled out alive. One passenger, Ajhar Ali Mondal, remains untraced, prompting continued search efforts. The four travellers in the vehicle were identified as Aqidul Islam, Ajhar Ali Mondal, Jubbar Ali and Bakkar Ali.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise extreme caution along hilly and riverside routes at night, warning that dense fog poses serious risks during winter. The accident has underscored the dangers faced by motorists navigating poorly lit sections affected by sudden drops in visibility.
