Six Killed, 29 Injured in Jalpaiguri Bus Crash, State Announces Compensation and Aid

At least six people, including an 18-month-old child and two women, were killed and 29 others injured after a passenger bus collided with a stationary truck on National Highway-27 in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Sunday.

According to police, the accident occurred near Ulladabri around 11.30 am when a North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus travelling from Maynaguri to Domohani in Paschim Bardhaman district rammed into the rear of a truck parked along the roadside.

The deceased were identified as Pampa Saha , her 18-month-old son Bibek , Jamuna Roy , Sajal Sarkar , Shubhankar Sil , and an unidentified man. Authorities said one victim was brought dead to Maynaguri Rural Hospital, while five others succumbed to injuries at Jalpaiguri Government Medical College and Hospital .

The impact severely damaged the front portion of the bus, trapping several passengers inside. A rescue operation involving police personnel and local residents was launched immediately to extricate the victims and shift the injured to hospital. All injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment.

Police said preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather and slippery road conditions may have contributed to the crash. However, officials stressed that the exact cause would be determined after a detailed investigation.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extended condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance for the victims. The state government will provide ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person, ₹1 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹50,000 to passengers who sustained minor injuries. The government will also bear the medical expenses of the injured.

The accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and the risks posed by poor weather conditions on busy highways.