Tragic Accidents in West Bengal and Assam: Multiple Pilgrims Killed During Yatra

KOLKATA:
Six people were killed after a car rammed into them at Muni tea estate near Bagdogra in Phansidewa block of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Monday morning. ACP Siliguri Metropolitan police Debasish Bose confirmed that the incident occurred as a car coming from Deoghar struck a group of pilgrims participating in the ‘Kanwar yatra’ on their way to offer Jal Abhisekham at the ‘Janglibaba’ temple.

Locals reported that the victims died instantly, causing a temporary disruption in the area’s traffic. Jagannath Roy, Panchayat Pradhan of Heatmuri Singhijhora Gram Panchayat, said, ‘They were on foot with a group of 12 people. Six were ahead, and 4 stayed back to drink water. A car hit them from behind, killing six on the spot. Police arrived and sent the dead bodies to the hospital.’

Deblal Barman, a relative of the victims, stated, ‘My two brothers-in-law have died. The accident happened due to the car; the dead bodies have been sent to the hospital.’ Earlier today in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, at least five devotees were killed and one seriously injured when a truck rammed into people outside a temple. Pushpraj Singh, Superintendent of Police of Kokrajhar district, said, ‘Five people died after the truck hit them near Mahamaya temple in Kachugaon. One more person was injured and was rushed to the hospital.’

Police have apprehended the truck driver involved in the Assam incident.