Guwahati (Assam), 14 November (H.S.): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced a total compensation of ₹9 lakh for the family of each of the 26 people who lost their lives in the tragic Kaziranga road accident.

The compensation will comprise ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, ₹2 lakh from the Revenue Department and ₹2 lakh as financial assistance already announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after visiting and inspecting the accident site at Rangajan in Kaziranga. He also said that a detailed investigation would be conducted to ascertain the exact circumstances and causes of the accident.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of serious road accidents in the state, Dr. Sarma said there was no alternative to enforcing traffic rules strictly. However, traffic regulations had earlier been relaxed following public dissatisfaction.

He said that in view of several serious accidents reported recently, the government would once again take steps to strictly enforce traffic rules to prevent such incidents.

The Chief Minister also assured all possible assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased. He reviewed the situation at the accident site and took stock of the arrangements for providing medical assistance to the injured.

The tragic accident at Rangajan involved a passenger vehicle and a container truck, resulting in the death of 26 people and leaving several others injured.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash