Overview
- A North Bengal State Transport Corporation bus traveling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar struck the rear of a stationary trailer at Ulladabari on NH-27 on Sunday, crushing the bus front and trapping passengers.
- Police and hospital tallies have been updated several times and now report six dead, including an 18-month-old child, with dozens more injured and several in critical condition.
- Local residents, police and fire teams cut passengers free from the mangled wreck and ambulance teams moved the injured to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Maynaguri government hospitals for treatment.
- Authorities say the bus driver has been detained while investigators examine possible speeding, driver negligence and slippery roads caused by heavy rain as contributing factors.
- West Bengal’s chief minister has ordered relief on site, pledged to cover treatment costs at government hospitals and announced cash compensation for victims which could prompt fresh scrutiny of NBSTC safety and monsoon road precautions.