Santipur, Nov 28 (UNI) At least 18 people were killed, including five women and a child, when a mini-truck,
in which they were travelling to a crematorium with a dead body, hit a stationary truck in West Bengal's Nadia
district early on Sunday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state governor Jagdeep Dhankar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
expressed shock at the deaths of so many people, one of the worst mishaps in recent time in the state.
The accident happened around 02: 00 hours at Hanskhali block under Phoolbari in Nadia when the bereaved family members in the truck were heading to Nabadwip crematorium, hit the parked truck on the state highway, police and eyewitnesses said.
While some 13 people died on the spot after being thrown out of the vehicle, five others succumbed to their wounds in a local hospital. Among the dead 10 were men, five women and a six-year-old girl.
Police said five others have been admitted to the hospital with multiple fractures and injuries. Among the dead were the driver and his helper.
Police said the ill-fated truck was carrying some 40 mourners from Bagdah in North 24 Parganas for cremation of octogenarian widow Sraboni Muhuri.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have all
expressed profound shock at the incident.
"The accident and death in Nadia is very shocking and sad. My sympathies to the bereaved family members
and pray for early recovery of the wounded people' said Mr Shah.
"Deeply pained at the reported death of 18 people and 5 others injured in Nadia District after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck parked on the side of the road" said Mr Dhankar.
"Heartbroken to hear about the road accident in Nadia. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured", said Ms Banerjee.
She said the government will extend every necessary assistance and support to the kin of the victims.
"We are with you in this sad hour", Ms Banerjee said.
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