An accident was reported in the late hours of Tuesday in Dhupguri of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. A truck carrying boulders reportedly traveling on the wrong side of the road had collided head-on with a vehicle and later crashed with a minivan and a car killing a total of 14 people.
The accident occurred on National Highway 31 near the Jhaldakha bridge. It is said that the accident happened due to low visibility owing to dense fog and due to negligent driving by the truck driver who apparently survived and is currently in custody.
The truck was driving on the wrong side of the road collided with the car and then the minivan and car also collided which were further crushed by the boulders falling off from the back of the truck.
Out of the 14 deceased, six were found to be of the same family who was traveling on their way to attend a wedding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee have expressed deep condolences for the family of the deceased and those injured. PM Office tweeted with grief that Ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs will be provided to the next of kin of the dead and Rs. 50,000 will be provided to those injured in the accident from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
West Bengal CM, through social media, has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead and prayed for a quick recovery of the dead. She also intimated about the visit of the Ministers and leaders to the affected families.
She also announced a grant of Rs. 2 lakhs to the family of the dead and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. Along with this, the CM urged people to be cautious and to drive safely to avoid falling into such accidents.
