In one of the worst road tragedies in the state in recent years, the Kaziranga accident on Friday killed at least 26 people and injured around 20 others. A minibus collided head-on with a container truck on National Highway 715 near Kaziranga National Park in Assam's Golaghat district, officials said, according to PTI via ThePrint.
The death toll was first put at 24 by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. It rose to 26 later in the evening. College students, women and a minor are among the dead, along with the driver and helper of the minibus.
Kaziranga accident: key highlights↑
- When: Friday afternoon, November 13, 2026
- Where: Rangajan, near Hathikuli Tea Estate, Kohora range, NH-715, Golaghat district
- Vehicles: A minibus (Traveller) and a container truck, in a head-on collision
- Death toll: At least 26; about 20 injured
- Suspected cause: Over speeding by the minibus, as per the Chief Minister
- Relief: Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for each family of the dead; Rs 50,000 for each injured person
How the accident happened↑
The minibus was travelling from the Golaghat–Bokakhat side towards Nagaon, while the container truck was headed towards Upper Assam, police said. Near Rangajan, close to the Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range of Kaziranga, the two vehicles collided head-on, as per Siasat.
The impact was so strong that the front of the minibus was crushed. Local people and police rushed to help and pulled passengers out of the wreckage. The exact number of people on board is still not clear; officials have put it between about 30 and 40.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: "bus was running at very high speed"↑
Speaking at an official programme in Biswanath, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the minibus was being driven far above the speed limits set for the stretch near the national park. He said officials believe the driver lost control before the bus hit the truck, according to ThePrint.
Sarma also said the vehicle had received several overspeeding fines in Kaziranga earlier, and some of those fines were still pending.
He sent Education Minister Ranoj Pegu to the spot to oversee treatment of the injured, and said he would visit Kaziranga himself on Saturday. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said he was deeply distressed and that all of Assam stands with the grieving families.
State Cabinet minister Atul Bora called it one of the worst accidents in Assam's history. He said witnesses reported that the bus was speeding and the damage to the vehicle also pointed to overspeeding, as per NewsBytes.
Treatment of the injured↑
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Some with serious injuries were shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for further care. The state government said its priority is to make sure every injured person gets the best possible treatment without delay.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia; leaders condole↑
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who died, and Rs 50,000 for each injured person, according to Northeast Live.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi offered her condolences to the families as well.
Why speed rules matter on this highway↑
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the one-horned rhino. It lies about 225 km east of Dispur. The national highway that runs along the park has strict speed limits, mainly to protect animals that cross the road, especially during floods. Vehicles that break these limits are fined.
Friday's accident shows that speeding on this stretch is a danger not just to wildlife but to human lives too. The Chief Minister's remark about pending fines on the same vehicle has raised questions about how repeat offenders are tracked and stopped.
Not the first tragedy in Golaghat↑
Golaghat district has seen serious road accidents before. In January 2024, 12 people were killed and around 30 injured when a bus collided with a coal-laden truck at Balijan near Dergaon, as reported by The Tribune. Back then too, the Assam government ordered an inquiry.
Road safety: what travellers can do↑
- Do not board a vehicle if the driver is speeding or driving rashly; ask them to slow down.
- Always wear a seat belt, including in the back seat and in minibuses that have them.
- Avoid overloaded vehicles.
- In case of an accident, call 112 for emergency help.
Many families are travelling this weekend for Chhath Puja. If you are heading out, read our guide on Chhath Puja 2026 in Delhi: holiday, traffic advisory and roads to avoid, and check the festival special trains for Diwali and Chhath.
This is a developing story. The death toll and details may change as officials share more information.
FAQ↑
Q1. How many people died in the Kaziranga accident?↑
At least 26 people died and around 20 were injured, as per the latest PTI report.
Q2. Where did the Kaziranga accident happen?↑
At Rangajan near Hathikuli Tea Estate in the Kohora range, on NH-715, in Golaghat district of Assam.
Q3. What caused the accident?↑
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the minibus was overspeeding and the driver likely lost control before hitting a container truck. Police are investigating.
Q4. What compensation has been announced?↑
PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
Q5. Where are the injured being treated?↑
At nearby hospitals, with some shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.
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