Bengal: Fourteen people killed in a road accident
What's the story
Fourteen members, including four children, of a marriage party, died and ten others were injured due to a collision between a stone-laden truck and their three vehicles in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.
The accident occurred due to dense fog in the Jaldhaka area in Dhupguri block on Tuesday night. The cars, being driven on the wrong side of the road, were going toward Dhupguri.
State compensation
CM Mamata Banerjee announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2.5 lakh
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2.5 lakh each to the next of kin of those who were killed in the accident.
The State Government will provide Rs. 50,000 each to those who were seriously injured, she said at a program in Purulia. "Rs. 25,000 would be given to those whose injuries are not serious," she added.
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State Government extends a helping hand to the families
"The loss cannot be compensated. But the government is with the families. We will provide compensation to the next of kin of the deceased. Our local MLA Sourav Chakraborty is already there and state minister Aroop Biswas is rushing to the spot," Banerjee said.
Helping hand
PM Modi also announced compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is extremely anguished over the road accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those who died in the incident.
According to Prime Minister's Office, Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of those injured.
A police officer informed that ten injured people are undergoing treatment in Jalpaiguri Hospital.
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President Kovind also condoled the loss of lives
"Distressed to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Dhupguri, West Bengal. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.
Twitter Post
Thoughts and prayers with the families: President Kovind
Distressed to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Dhupguri, West Bengal. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 20, 2021