West Bengal: 13 killed in road accident due to fog in Jalpaiguri
At least 14 people died in an accident in Dhupguri city of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Tuesday night. The accident occurred due to reduced visibility caused due to fog. The injured have been admitted to a hospital. As many as 18 people also sustained injuries in the accident.
"A vehicle collided head-on with a boulder loaded truck whose 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," Sumant Roy, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri said.
"Circle inspector of Dhupguri and his team reached the place of accident in less than 10 minutes and multiple cranes were brought. I believe that there was some fog on the road which reduced visibility," he added.
PM Modi condoles deaths in Jalpaiguri road accident and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of those who lost their lived.
"Accident in Jalpaiguri is extremely anguishing. In this time of sadness, prayers with bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. From PMNRF, ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each to be given to next of kin of those who lost lives. Rs 50,000 each for injured," tweeted Prime Minister's Office.
Locals along with police officials assisted in rescuing the injured at the spot.
"The road is now cleared. The driver of the truck survived the accident and has been detained. Treatment of injured at the nearby hospital is being monitored," Roy said.
(With ANI inputs)
