Guwahati: The speed of the mini-bus involved in the Sonapur crash must be examined as part of the police investigation, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said.The mini-bus collided with a truck on NH-27, on the outskirts of Guwahati, on the night of August 30, killing seven people and injuring several others.Sarma said the vehicle had crossed the highway divider before landing on the opposite side of the road, and that the circumstances leading to this needed to be investigated.“I personally visited the accident site. The vehicle crossed the road over the divider and went to the other side. One must consider the fact that it crossed the divider of the national highway. The circumstances under which this happened and the speed of the vehicle must also be taken into account. The police investigation is underway covering all angles.”The chief minister said a vehicle could lose control if it was travelling at high speed or if the driver applied the brakes suddenly and forcefully.“When a vehicle crosses a large NH divider and lands on the other side of the road, the speed at which it was travelling must also be considered,” he added.Sarma said it would be premature to conclude that the crash was caused solely by a pothole without a proper investigation.“Accidents take place in our state every day for several reasons. When we ask people to wear helmets, many do not like it. When we ask them to drive at lower speeds, they do not like it. When we ask them not to drink and drive, they do not like that either. Therefore, if we are discussing road accidents in the state, we must discuss the issue in its entirety—not just focus on potholes. Along with road conditions, we must ask whether people are wearing helmets, whether vehicles are being driven beyond the prescribed speed limits, and whether adequate safety measures are being followed,” the CM said.On road conditions, Sarma said national highways and PWD roads deteriorate during the monsoon, particularly in June, July and August, due to heavy rainfall and Assam’s geographical conditions.“Every year, roads in Assam deteriorate during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Given the geographical conditions of our state and the heavy rainfall, this is a recurring challenge, and we cannot simply blame one particular person or agency for everything. However, repairs cannot be effectively carried out while it is continuously raining. I am in touch with all the authorities concerned, and I believe that the necessary repairs will be completed at various locations before Durga Puja,” he added.
