Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on September 23^rd, 2019, ordered a high–level probe into the tragic bus mishap at Demow in Sivasagar district, where at least nine persons died on the spot and over 15 sustained severe injuries.

Sonowal directed the Commissioner of Transport, Assam, Virendra Mittal to conduct an inquiry into the incident. He also directed the health department and the deputy commissioners of Sivasagar and Dibrugarh district to provide support including medical facilities to the injured persons.

Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic accident in Demow. My prayers for the departed souls and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members of the victims.

I have also directed the district administration to provide all support to those injured.

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 23, 2019

A total of seven out of nine deceased passengers have been identified so far. They are Hiranya Jyoti Chetia, advisor of the Dhemaji wing of the All Assam Students’ Union; Purna Kanta Sarma, employee at ITI Tinsukia; Subrata Bora of Chiring Chapori in Dibrugarh; Sourav Sarma of Bhatiapara in Sivasagar; Biki Kalita of Chauldhowa in Dibrugarh; Binaya Baidya of Silapathar in Dhemaji and Naren Bharali of Demow.

The injured persons are Rashmi Rekha Kachari; Islam Ahmed of Saulkora, Dibrugarh; Pradip Dihingia of Demow, Debashish Nath of Furkating; Bipul Tamuli of Teok; Kudus Ali of Morigaon; Bhageswar Baruah of Betbari; Doukan of Dibrugarh; Diganta Kumar Borgohain of Golaghat; Ghanashyam Barua of Betabari; Nanda Bora and Salmee Das of Golaghat.

As per information, the Ultra bus, which was en route to Dibrugarh town from Sivasagar, skidded off the road and collided with a Jorhat bound traveller at Demow tehsil along the National Highway 37 on Monday morning.

Inputs: Sanjay Pareek

Photo: Iftikar Rahman