Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that a possible medical emergency suffered by the driver could have been one of the reasons behind the horrific Kaziranga road accident in which 26 people were killed, while expressing concern over the increasing number of road mishaps in the state. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said preliminary observations suggested that the driver might have suffered a heart attack, stroke or another sudden health complication, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. “The manner in which the accident took place raises questions about whether the driver suffered a sudden medical condition. It could have been a heart attack, a stroke or even a sudden drop in blood sugar,” the Chief Minister said.

He, however, added that the exact cause would be known only after a detailed investigation and medical examination. Sarma also pointed to alleged overloading of the vehicle, saying that it was carrying significantly more passengers than its permitted capacity. According to the Chief Minister, while the vehicle had seating capacity for around 26 passengers, nearly 40 people were reportedly travelling in it. The Chief Minister said the video footage of the incident, if verified, appeared to indicate that the driver had suddenly lost control of the steering. “If the vehicle had not collided with another vehicle, it could have gone off the road after the driver lost control,” he said.

Referring to the growing number of road accidents in Assam, Sarma said the state government would have to take stricter measures to improve road safety and enforce traffic regulations. He noted that earlier attempts to tighten traffic rules had sometimes drawn public criticism and political pressure, forcing the government to reconsider certain decisions. “However, we cannot ignore the larger problem. The increasing number of road accidents is a serious concern, and traffic regulations will have to be enforced more strictly,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the Kaziranga tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need for greater road safety, better enforcement and responsible driving across Assam.

Mumbai : Anticipating a large gathering of devotees travelling to beaches, lakes and ponds to celebrate Chhath Puja, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has announced special bus arrangements. Additional buses will be operated to major destinations, including Juhu Beach, Dadar Chowpatty, Powai and Gorai Creek, on November 15 and 16 to facilitate the movement of devotees. As part of the arrangements, 15 additional buses will be deployed from 2 p.m. on Sunday. These buses will operate on routes 231, 203, 339, A-256 and A-203, connecting areas such as Santacruz, Andheri, Malwani, Borivali and Juhu.

Between 6 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. on Monday, six to seven additional buses will operate on routes A-203, 231 and 203 to facilitate the return journey of devotees from Juhu Beach and Juhu Bus Station. Depot managers have been instructed to deploy officers and inspectors near beaches, chowpatties, ponds and lakes in areas such as Backbay, Worli, Santacruz, Oshiwara, Malvani, Gorai, Dindoshi, Vikhroli and Mulund. Buses operating on routes passing through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, Juhu Beach and Juhu Bus Station will run at full capacity to accommodate the expected rush. For security and crowd management, BEST will deploy a security officer, a constable and two guards at Juhu Beach from Sunday afternoon until 8 a.m. on Monday. A breakdown van will also remain on standby at the beach from 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Additionally, inspectors will be stationed at Juhu Beach, Juhu Bus Station and Santacruz West Station to regulate passenger movement and manage the rush. BEST has said that more buses may be pressed into service depending on passenger demand. Depot managers have also been directed to submit feedback to the Planning Department by November 20, covering bus operations, trips, revenue, passenger numbers and route-wise performance. Chhath, also called Chhath Puja, is an ancient Hindu festival native to East India and southern Nepal. It is celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh; and Koshi, Gandaki, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces of Nepal.

Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced financial assistance of Rs 9 lakh for the families of those killed in the tragic road accident in Kaziranga. The latest reports said the death toll has risen to 26, while around 20 others sustained injuries. Several of those injured were rushed to hospitals, including the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, for advanced treatment. The Chief Minister said that the financial assistance would include Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s relief fund, Rs 5 lakh from the Assam government and an additional Rs 2 lakh for disaster management and rehabilitation. The announcement came in the wake of the devastating accident in the Kaziranga area, which claimed several lives and left many families grieving.

Expressing his deep sorrow over the tragedy, the Chief Minister said that the state government stands firmly with the families of the victims during this difficult time. According to the assistance package announced by the Chief Minister, the next of kin of each deceased victim will receive a total compensation of Rs 9 lakh. The financial support is aimed at providing immediate relief to the bereaved families and helping them cope with the devastating consequences of the accident. The Kaziranga tragedy has sent shockwaves across Assam, with people from different sections expressing grief over the loss of lives.

The state government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families. The Chief Minister has also been closely monitoring the situation following the accident and directed the concerned authorities to extend necessary support to the victims and their families. Road accidents continue to remain a major concern in Assam, particularly on busy highways and roads passing through sensitive and high-traffic areas. The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the need for greater road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. Further details regarding the accident and the assistance being provided to the injured are awaited. The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the families affected by the Kaziranga tragedy receive timely support and assistance in the aftermath of the devastating incident.