Guwahati, 31 August (HS): The death toll in the horrific road accident on National Highway 27 in Sonapur has risen to seven. The accident, which occurred Sunday night, involved a passenger Traveller bus and a goods truck.

According to the latest information, three bodies have been kept at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), while three bodies are at a hospital in Sonapur. One more body has been kept at COSMO Hospital.

The accident took place near Tetelia, between Mayhang and Bhuragaon under Khetri Police Station, when a Traveller bus (AS-01HC-0716) travelling towards Guwahati crossed the divider and collided head-on with an oncoming truck (AS-07BC-4271).

The collision was reportedly so severe that several people killed on the spot. Six injured persons were rescued from the damaged vehicles and shifted to hospitals for treatment.

According to local residents, a tyre of the Traveller, which was travelling from Nagaon towards Guwahati, burst after hitting a pothole, causing the vehicle to lose control and cross the divider before colliding with the truck.

Police have taken the bodies into custody and sent them for post-mortem examination. An investigation into the accident is underway.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash