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.
–IANS–
