Jalpaiguri, 20th January: At least 13 people lost their lives and 18 were injured in a tragic road accident on the national highway near Jaldhaka Bridge area of Dhupguri under Jalpaiguri district, on Tuesday night. All are residents of Char Chura Bhandar in Maynaguri and Damdim area adjacent to Odlabari.
According to local sources, one of the three vehicles heading to Dhupguri from Char Churabhandar, collided head-on with a boulder-laden lorry coming from the opposite side. The truck’s driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the divider and slipped towards its right side. Two other vehicles coming from the wrong side collided into the body of the truck due to which boulders loaded in the vehicle fell on them. Another small lorry in front of the truck was also damaged. In all, four vehicles got damaged.
The accident is suspected to have happened due to low visibility. The victims were rescued and rushed to the hospital. Alipurduar MLA Sourav Chakraborty reached Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital this morning to meet the injured. He also inspected the accident spot. He assured to stay by the side of the families of the deceased and injured and also stated that the matter has been informed to the Chief Minister.
From the PMNRF, Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident in West Bengal. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 20, 2021
On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief at the incident. In a tweet, PMO announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees each for the families of the victims and 50 thousand rupees each for those injured.