Kaziranga, India. Photo: Shutterstock Indian officials have expressed condolences following a fatal road accident in Kaziranga, in Assam's Golaghat district, that took 24 lives and injured several other passengers, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing financial assistance for the families of those killed and injured.
Assam Minister Atul Bora visited the accident site shortly after the incident to assess the situation. He later headed to nearby hospitals to check on the injured and review the medical treatment being provided.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
The Vice-President of India said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident that involed a bus and a truck, extending his condolences to the bereaved families and wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery.
Assam Chief Minister also expressed grief over the tragedy, saying the loss had left the state deeply pained. He assured affected families that the state government was providing support and ensuring the best possible medical care for those injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Under the announced assistance, the next of kin of each person killed in the accident will receive ₹2 lakh, while those injured will receive ₹50,000 (480 EUR) each.
The announcements came as authorities and emergency services responded to the aftermath of the accident. Further details about the circumstances of the crash and the number of casualties were not included in the official statements provided.