Treatment cost will be borne by government: West Bengal Tourism Minister visits injured victims of NH-27 bus-lorry collision
Jalpaiguri, June 22
Following a tragic bus-lorry collision on NH-27, West Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh visited the injured victims currently receiving treatment.
The collision, which involved a bus and a lorry, resulted in the loss of four lives, while 29 other passengers sustained injuries.
During his visit on Sunday, Ghosh expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasised that officials are working to ensure the best possible medical care for those who were seriously injured in the crash.
"We have discussed providing even better treatment for those who are seriously injured... The loss of lives is deeply tragic. The Chief Minister has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident, and assistance will also be provided to the injured. Additionally, the cost of treatment will be borne by our transport department," he told reporters.
To support the affected families, Adhikari earlier announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the accident, Rs 1 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who sustained minor injuries.
"To assist the affected families during this incredibly difficult time, the State Government will provide the following compensation: Rs. 5 Lakhs to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. Rs. 1 Lakh for those grievously injured. Rs. 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries. Furthermore, the entire cost of treatment for the injured will be fully borne by the State Government at our Government Medical facilities. We stand firmly with the affected families in this hour of profound grief and will ensure they receive all possible support," he said.
According to officials, the accident occurred when the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus, travelling from Siliguri to Cooch Behar, rammed into the rear of a stationary trailer. The impact was so severe that the rear of the trailer penetrated the bus, trapping several passengers inside.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the minister visiting personally. Shankar Ghosh ji has shown sensitivity. But I think the real issue is the condition of government buses and driver fatigue. These long routes need proper rest stops for drivers. The NBSTC bus driver should have been more alert. Hope the injured recover soon. 🙏
The compensation is welcome but it's not enough. A life lost can never be compensated with money. Also, Rs 50,000 for minor injuries is too low - it barely covers hospital bills these days. The state government should also investigate if the trailer had proper reflectors or warning signs. Accidents like this are often due to negligence. 💔
This is heartbreaking. 4 lives lost and 29 injured - all because of a stationary trailer on the highway? The truck driver should be held accountable. Glad the CM announced financial help, but what about the families who lost their breadwinners? Rs 5 lakh is not enough to sustain them. The government should provide jobs to the next of kin. 🤔
As someone who travels frequently on NH-27, I can say the road conditions are terrible in many stretches. The government should invest in better highway design with proper lighting and emergency lanes. The bus ramming into a stationary trailer shows how dangerous unmarked parked vehicles are. Prayers for the victims. 🙏
The minister's visit is good PR, but what about preventive measures? Every year we hear about similar accidents on Bengal highways. The NBSTC buses need better maintenance and drivers need proper
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