Seven dead, many injured in two separate accidents

Seven persons were killed and many others injured in two separate road accidents in the state.

The first incident took place on National Highway 6 near Kulgachia in Uluberia early Saturday morning when a bus on its way to the city from Puri rammed into a stationary truck from behind killing four persons. At least 50 persons who were travelling in the bus have been injured. They were taken to Uluberia sub-divisional hospital for treatment. Some of the injured passengers are stated to be in critical condition, many of whom have already been shifted to the city’s hospitals as their condition deteriorated.

After being informed, the senior police officers reached the spot and started a detailed probe into the accident. The victims have been identified as Pradip Jana, Koyel Ghuku, Rabin Mondal. Police are yet to ascertain the identity of one person. The bus driver and helper fled the spot immediately after the incident. Police said that the accidents took place at 4 am. Some local residents heard a loud sound and found that the front portion of the bus was mangled due to the intensity of the accident.

According to the preliminary investigation, police suspect that the bus was going at a high speed as a result of which the driver could not control the vehicle when he suddenly saw the truck. The incident led to a huge traffic jam on the National Highway 6. Police are also investigating if the driver was in an inebriated state while driving the bus. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused driver and the helper of the bus. Police said that iron rods that the truck was carrying came through the body of the bus. The passengers were asleep when the accident took place. Police are also suspecting that the driver might have fallen asleep which could have led to the accident.

In another incident three persons – Rahul Yadav (22), Mahendra Dokania (41) and Harendra Yadav – died when the car they were travelling in fell into a pond. Three other were also injured in the incident. The incident took place at Shivdanga more at Jamuria on Saturday morning. The local people took part in the rescue operation and saved three persons who are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.