Naxalbari, 24th February: A vehicle carrying pilgrims to the Maha Kumbh met with a horrific accident at 7 a.m., resulting in one death and 12 injuries. The incident occurred on the Asian Highway near Satbhaiya More, creating a huge stir in the area.
According to reports, a pickup van carrying pilgrims from Mayang in Assam was en route to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for the Maha Kumbh when it collided with a lorry near Satbhaiya More. The impact severely damaged the vehicle, trapping the driver inside.
Locals and the Naxalbari police rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and sending them to Naxalbari Hospital. After primary treatment, they were referred to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH), with 2-3 individuals sustaining serious injuries. One person, identified as Niranjan Sarkar from Assam, died on the spot.
Meanwhile, the lorry driver fled the scene following the accident. The Naxalbari police have seized both the lorry and the pickup van and are investigating the incident.