Kaziranga Crash Probe Shows Speed Limiter Was Removed for Extra Trips

Police investigating a fatal collision in Assam have found that the owner and driver of a minibus removed its mandatory speed-limiting device to make more trips for money. The crash in the Rangajan area of Golaghat district killed 26 people and injured several others on Friday afternoon.

Investigation Details

Swapnaneel Deka, the Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police, stated that commercial vehicles in Assam must install these devices, but investigators found it was taken out intentionally. The minibus and a container truck collided head-on around 2:30 pm. Officials said the minibus was speeding at the time, and the driver died on the spot.

Casualties and Medical Care

Twenty-four of the 26 victims have been identified, while two bodies remain unidentified. At least 15 injured people are getting medical treatment at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, with several in critical condition. Teams from Guwahati Medical College and Hospital arrived to conduct post-mortem examinations on the deceased.

Relief and Official Response

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the accident site on Saturday. He announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and Rs 2 lakh from the State Disaster Management Authority for the family of each victim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced Rs 2 lakh for each family on Friday. Sarma stated that strict measures will be put in place to prevent similar tragedies.

Context

Accidents involving commercial passenger vehicles in India often draw attention to safety rules and the enforcement of speed limits on national highways. State authorities regularly review transport regulations and issue financial relief to support families affected by major road disasters.