GUWAHATI: At least 9 people lost their lives in a collision at the Baithakhal area under the Patharkandi constituency in the Karimganj district.
The deceased have been identified as Duja Bai Panika, Salu Bai Panika, Garuv Das Panika , Shambhu Das Panika, Lalon Guswami, Puja Gorh, Deb Gorh, Sanu Ree, Manglae Karmakar and Tupu Karmakar.
As per reports, a head-on collision occurred between an auto-rickshaw and a cement carrying vehicle at Assam-Tripura National Highway no 8 in Karimganj on Thursday morning at around 7.30 AM.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "I deeply mourn the tragic death of 9 persons in an accident at Baitakhal, Patharkhandi this morning. One injured is admitted to hospital.@assampolice is trying to trace the driver of the truck who had fled the scene after hitting the auto deceased were travelling in."
The auto-rickshaw bearing registration number AS 10 A C5782 head head-on collision with the truck bearing registration number NL 01Q 0088.
Karimganj SP Padmanabh Baruah informed the media that one person has been sent to a nearby hospital while the identity of the deceased persons is underway.
The incident took place at around 7:30 AM and additional forces have been deployed to avert any further untoward development while the investigation is in progress.
Patherkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul, in a social media post, has urged upon the people to maintain calm. "Inconstant touch with the Police and localities for identification of the deceased and first aid to the injured person. Request everyone to maintain peace in the area. As per current information, they were pilgrims returning from "Chaat Puja Ghat" Paul wrote.
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