A tragic accident occurred on Thursday, January 21, when an ambulance transporting the body of a deceased woman from Kolkata to Assam crashed on National Highway-31 in Bongaigaon district, leaving three people critically injured.
The crash took place at Chaprakata, where the ambulance reportedly lost control while traveling at high speed and collided with roadside infrastructure. The deceased has been identified as Jeleka Begum, a resident of Barpeta town. Her body was being transported from Kolkata to her hometown for final rites.
Officials said the impact of the crash was so severe that the body remained trapped inside the wrecked ambulance for some time, complicating rescue efforts. Three other occupants of the vehicle sustained serious injuries.
Local residents rushed to the site after hearing the loud collision and alerted the police. Rescue operations were conducted jointly by locals and law enforcement personnel. The injured were taken to Bongaigaon Civil Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
The accident has added to the grief of the bereaved family in Barpeta, as a journey meant to bring closure ended in tragedy. Police have seized the ambulance and launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. After completing legal formalities, arrangements are being made to hand over the body to the family.
