Jalpaiguri, 21 August (H.S.): Two truck drivers were killed in a major road accident on the Teesta Bridge in Jalpaiguri on Thursday night. According to information, a truck carrying goods to Bhutan had broken down and was stationary on the bridge. Its driver was reportedly repairing the vehicle when a container truck approaching from behind at high speed rammed into the stationary truck.

The impact was so severe that the front portion of the container truck became lodged inside the rear section of the stationary truck. Both drivers were trapped inside their respective vehicles following the collision.

On information, teams from the Highway Traffic Police, Kotwali Police Station, Sadar Traffic Police and the Maynaguri Fire and Emergency Services reached the spot. After considerable effort, rescue personnel used gas cutters to cut through the damaged portions of both vehicles and extricate the trapped drivers.

Both drivers were in critical condition and were rushed to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital. After examination, doctors declared one of them dead. The condition of the second driver was also critical, and he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The identities of both deceased drivers have not yet been ascertained. Police are making efforts to establish their identities and contact their families.

The accident led to a prolonged traffic disruption on the national highway. Traffic gradually returned to normal after police and rescue teams completed the operation. An investigation into the accident has been initiated.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey