Agartala, Jan 30: At least four people, including two women, were killed and two others critically injured when a 12-wheeler goods truck collided head-on with a passenger auto-rickshaw on the Assam-Agartala National Highway in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Friday, police said.
The accident occurred at Sidangchhara under Kumarghat police station limits when the truck, heading towards Agartala, rammed into the three-wheeler travelling towards Pecharthal. Fire service personnel rescued six injured passengers, including the auto-rickshaw driver, and rushed them to Kumarghat sub-divisional hospital. Two victims were declared dead on arrival, while the remaining four were in critical condition and later referred to Unakoti district hospital in Kailashahar. One of the injured was subsequently shifted to Silchar Medical College in Assam for advanced treatment.
The deceased were identified as Bhaskar Goswami (47), the auto-rickshaw driver, along with passengers Kanchana Chakma (55), Hari Shankar Debatrata (50), and Gouri Mili Chakma (35). The critically injured are Jatrapati Chakma (42) and Mayarani Debnath (55). The truck driver fled the scene, and police have registered a case, detained the vehicle, and initiated legal procedures.
In response to rising road accidents, the Tripura government has intensified road safety measures, including strict enforcement of ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ and ‘No Helmet, No Attendance’ policies. District administrations have adopted the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ ‘Zero Fatality Month’ initiative, emphasizing helmet use, traffic rule compliance, and responsible driving.
Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed departments to implement the ‘Gujarat model of road safety,’ which integrates advanced technology, strict law enforcement, and rapid post-accident medical response. Awareness campaigns, rallies, and outreach programs are being conducted statewide to promote safe driving practices and reduce road accident fatalities.
