Three people were killed and several others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck in Howrah district late on Wednesday evening, police said.
The accident took place about 33km away from Kolkata in Dhulorbadh area in Panchla after one of the tyres of the bus burst.
“The bus driver lost control over the vehicle and hit a truck coming from the opposite direction. The front portion of the overcrowded bus was completely damaged in the accident. Three people died on the spot, and more than 20 others were injured. They were rushed to a nearby hospital,” a police officer said.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of the three people and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each of the deceased.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Panchla, Howrah which led to the death of 3 people and 21 injured. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” she tweeted.
“GoWB will provide Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and are extending all assistance possible to those injured,” she added.
