Guwahati, November 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said a possible medical emergency suffered by the driver could have been one of the reasons behind the Kaziranga road accident that claimed 26 lives.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said preliminary observations raised the possibility that the driver had suffered a heart attack, stroke or another sudden health complication, resulting in loss of control over the vehicle.
“The manner in which the accident took place raises questions about whether the driver suffered a sudden medical condition. It could have been a heart attack, a stroke or even a sudden drop in blood sugar,” the Chief Minister said.
He stressed that the exact cause would be established only after a detailed investigation and medical examination. Sarma also flagged alleged overloading, saying the vehicle had a seating capacity of around 26 passengers but was reportedly carrying nearly 40 people.
Referring to video footage of the incident, the Chief Minister said that, if verified, it appeared to show the driver suddenly losing control of the steering. He added that the vehicle could have veered off the road had it not collided with another vehicle.
Expressing concern over the rising number of road accidents in Assam, Sarma said the government would have to take stricter measures to improve road safety and enforce traffic regulations. He noted that previous efforts to tighten traffic rules had sometimes faced public criticism and political pressure.
“However, we cannot ignore the larger problem. The increasing number of road accidents is a serious concern, and traffic regulations will have to be enforced more strictly,” he said.
Sarma said the Kaziranga tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need for stronger road safety measures, better enforcement and responsible driving across the state.
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