Kolkata: At least 18 people were killed and five injured in a road accident in the Nadia district of West Bengal on Saturday night.
The incident took place when they were en route to Nabadwip crematorium from Bagda in North 24 Parganas. The ill-fated vehicle carrying them collided with a truck parked on the side of the road in Phulbari under Hanskhali police station.
The injured were rushed to the hospital. While 13 people died on the spot, five succumbed to their wounds in a local hospital. Among the deceased were the driver and his helper.
Police said the ill-fated truck was carrying some 40 mourners from Bagdah in North 24 Parganas for the cremation of octogenarian widow Sraboni Muhuri.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed profound shock at the incident.
” The accident and death in Nadia are very shocking and sad. My sympathies to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of the wounded people, ” said Shah.
Banerjee said, “Heartbroken to hear about the road accident in Nadia.”
She offered her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. ” May God give them the strength to get past this difficult time, ” she added.
” Government of West Bengal will extend every necessary assistance and support to the kin of the victims. We are beside you in this sad hour, ” Banerjee stated.
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed profound shock at the incident and said, ” Deeply pained at reported death of 18 people and 5 others injured in Nadia District after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck parked on the side of road. “
” Expect all efforts @MamataOfficial to the family of deceased and injured. Need to promote Road Safety, ” he added.
