Assam CM says minibus driver may have suffered heart attack before collision; toll rises to 26

A tragic road accident in Assam claimed the lives of 26 people after a minibus collided with a larger vehicle on a busy highway. Authorities are investigating the cause, and the state’s chief minister indicated that the driver might have experienced a sudden cardiac event, which could have impaired his ability to control the vehicle. The incident has sparked discussions about vehicle safety standards, driver health monitoring, and emergency response capabilities in the region.

Compensation for the bereaved families has been announced in three parts: ₹5 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, ₹2 lakh from the State Disaster Management Authority, and an additional ₹2 lakh from a package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The combined amount of ₹9 lakh per family is intended to help cover immediate expenses, including funeral costs and short‑term financial support. Officials emphasized that the funds will be disbursed promptly to alleviate the hardship faced by the victims’ relatives.

For residents of Assam, the accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, especially on routes that connect remote districts with urban centers. It also underscores the importance of health checks for commercial drivers, as sudden medical emergencies can have far‑reaching consequences. The government’s swift compensation response aims to demonstrate accountability, but many observers call for stronger preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.