Kolkata, 21 March (H.S.): Several persons were injured after four vehicles were involved in a major collision on National Highway-19 near Kali Pahari in Asansol on Friday evening, causing panic in the area and triggering a massive traffic congestion.

The accident occurred near Kalla More under the jurisdiction of Asansol North Police Station. Eyewitnesses said the impact of the crash was so severe that the front portions of the vehicles were badly damaged.

One of the injured, Mohammad Azad Syed, said his car was stationary at a traffic signal when a speeding truck rammed into it from behind, resulting in a chain collision involving four vehicles. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital with the help of local residents and police.

Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and immediately started rescue operations. All the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Traffic officer Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik said that prompt action was taken to rescue the injured and remove the damaged vehicles. The vehicles involved in the accident have been seized and an investigation is in progress.

The incident led to a long traffic jam on NH-19, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for a considerable time. Traffic movement was later normalised after sustained efforts by the police.

Preliminary investigation suggests that overspeeding and negligent driving may have led to the accident. Police said further investigation is underway and appropriate legal action will be taken against those found responsible.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh