Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma interacts with police officials while inspecting the road accident site after twenty-six people died in the Rongajaan area near Kaziranga, Koliabar, in Nagaon.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday (November 14, 2026) said the driver of the minibus involved in a head-on collision with a container truck near Kaziranga National Park on Friday may have had a health issue that resulted in the accident.
The death toll in the collision rose to 26 on Saturday (November 14, 2026) after another passenger succumbed to injuries.
Seventeen injured passengers are undergoing treatment at the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, with doctors saying that some of them were in critical condition.
The Chief Minister visited the accident site on Saturday (November 14, 2026). Referring to a viral dashcam footage from the truck, he told presspersons that the minibus driver, who was among those who died, might have suffered a heart attack or stroke moments before the mishap occurred.
“Looking at the way the Traveller (minibus) rammed into the truck, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who is a doctor, said it prima facie suggested that the driver suffered a heart attack or stroke, following which he lost control of the vehicle,” the Chief Minister said.
He said that the driver’s post-mortem examination would be conducted by specialised doctors to determine whether he had suffered a sudden medical emergency.
“A detailed investigation is underway, and we will look at every possible cause behind this tragedy,” the Chief Minister said.
Ex gratia announced
The families of the deceased will receive ₹9 lakh each. This includes ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, ₹2 lakh from the State Disaster Management Authority, and ₹2 lakh announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister asked the police and the administration to intensify road safety awareness initiatives and strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations. He stressed the importance of sustained vigilance, strict compliance with road safety norms, and coordinated action by the concerned departments to minimise road accidents.
“We will bring back strict traffic rules and enforce them firmly, because people’s lives come first,” he said.
Published – November 14, 2026 06:18 pm IST
