Assam: 23 Killed As Truck Hits Bus Near Kaziranga

Golaghat’s police chief says the death toll is likely to rise, as rescue and relief work continues at the crash site on NH-715

PGurus Newsdesk

November 13, 2026

India recorded more than 183,000 road deaths in 2025, and the Kaziranga crash adds to the toll on the country’s highways

Several college students were reportedly among the dead, according to local reports

At least 23 people were killed when a container truck and a minibus collided head-on near Kaziranga National Park in Assam’s Golaghat district on Friday, police said.

The crash occurred on National Highway 715 in the Rongajan area, beside the UNESCO World Heritage site. “There are 23 confirmed deaths,” Golaghat Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka told Reuters, adding that it is likely the death toll will increase.

The bus was carrying around 30 people, according to Deka, though other reports say there may have been more than 35 passengers and the exact number is not yet known. The truck driver was injured. The minibus was heading towards Nagaon, while the container truck was travelling towards Upper Assam, police said.

Rescue teams, police and local residents rushed to the spot, and ambulances ferried the injured to the Kohora Model Hospital. The reports differ on the injured, with some saying seven people were referred to hospital and others saying 20 were referred to Jorhat for advanced treatment. Several of the dead were reported to be college students returning from classes, and one report said three children were among them. These details have not been confirmed by officials.

Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, who is also the local MLA, reached the site and supervised relief work. He said the bus was travelling at very high speed in violation of restrictions imposed near the park, and that the driver lost control before the collision. Police have said the exact circumstances are being investigated.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on X that he was “deeply distressed,” and that the immediate priority was to ensure the injured get the best possible medical care without delay.

India recorded more than 183,000 road traffic deaths in 2025, according to the roads ministry, or over 500 a day. Many accidents are linked to poor road infrastructure, badly maintained vehicles and exhausted drivers.

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