Guwahati, Oct 21: With fatal road accidents reported across Assam during and after Durga Puja, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the rising number of crashes, pointing to accident-prone stretches, ongoing road revamp work and unsafe driving practices.
“The accidents are surging and we are concerned about it. In some places the situation has improved but in others, it's a matter of concern, especially in areas where roads are being revamped. There are also red points and we are trying to correct them,” Sarma told reporters at the Mata Pujan 5128 event at the Assam Engineering Institute playground in Chandmari, on Tuesday.
Referring to accident-prone locations, the Chief Minister said efforts are being made to address these stretches, particularly in areas where roads are undergoing renovation.
Sarma also stressed the need for greater road safety awareness, identifying driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to wear helmets among the factors contributing to accidents.
“Accidents happen for a number of reasons, driving under the influence, not wearing helmets are a couple of them. We would need awareness,” he added.
His remarks come amid a series of fatal crashes reported across the state during the festive period.
In the latest tragedy, three people, including two minor sisters, were killed after a truck hit their motorcycle on National Highway 15 near the Purupbari weekly market gate in Gohpur, Biswanath district, on Monday night, police said on Tuesday.
The crash followed a collision in Darrang district on Sunday night, in which three youths returning to Kharupetia after visiting Durga Puja pandals in Mangaldai died after their car rammed into a goods truck at Sarkar Chariali under Dhula Police Station.
Three other occupants were injured and taken to hospital, police said.
In another accident reported during the festive period, two young men were killed and another injured in a motorcycle-related crash in Tinsukia district, according to a report published on October 19.
Although official data on the exact toll was unavailable at the time of filing, the spate of crashes has renewed scrutiny of accident-prone stretches and risky driving.