Guwahati: Protesters blocked NH-27 at Nazirakhat tollgate on Monday, opposing toll collection over the highway’s poor condition.Members of regional organisations and Sonapur residents vandalised the toll gates and stopped toll collection, demanding immediate repairs in and around Khetri. The agitation followed Sunday’s accident in which seven people were killed after a 26-seater vehicle collided with a truck.“The condition of the national highway is extremely poor and puts people at serious risk of losing their lives. We want the authorities to intervene immediately. They cannot simply dismiss the incident and claim that it was merely an accident. When poor road conditions contribute to such tragedies, the govt must take responsibility and take concrete steps to improve the road and prevent similar incidents in the future,” a protester told the media.A Kamrup Metropolitan district administration official said police detained two NHAI officials for questioning.The collision severely damaged the vehicle, trapping several passengers. The injured were taken to Sonapur District Hospital and later referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.“Yesterday, six patients were brought to our hospital. Majahidul Islam (32) has been admitted to the Orthopaedics department, while Dipjyoti Nath (34), Jiarul Islam (44), and Asim Koch have been admitted to Neurosurgery. Ranjan Mondal has also been admitted to Orthopaedics, while an unidentified male, approximately 20 years old, has been admitted to the ICU. Among them, Dipjyoti Nath and the unidentified patient are in a slightly serious condition and are being kept under constant observation by our doctors.“Besides these patients, three people were brought to the hospital as brought-dead cases. The identity of one of them has been established as 46-year-old Jotikar Ahang, while the identities of the other two remain unknown. Their identities may be established once their family members arrive. I have not yet been informed about the details of the police investigation, but their names and identities may be established by today,” said GMCH Principal Babul Kumar Bezbaruah.
