10 injured, 3 critical as overloaded auto crashes into mini truck

An accident occurred on Sunday night in the Chaita area of Basirhat when an overloaded auto collided head-on with a mini-truck, injuring at least 10 people. The incident unfolded on a narrow road under the jurisdiction of the Matia police station. The auto, carrying far more passengers than its capacity, was speeding when it entered the lane. Many passengers were hanging onto the rear rods, further compromising their safety. The collision resulted in a chaotic scene, with passengers being thrown onto the road upon impact.

According to reports from local authorities, the driver of the auto slammed on the brakes as soon as he saw the mini-truck approaching from the opposite direction. However, the auto lost control and veered toward a pile of bricks and stones that had been left by the roadside. The auto’s front end collided with the mini-truck after the vehicle lost balance. The force of the crash sent multiple passengers flying, causing serious injuries. The mini-truck driver, who attempted to swerve and avoid the collision, was also reported to have sustained injuries but was not critically hurt.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and the injured were taken to Basirhat Hospital. According to hospital authorities, at least 10 people were injured, including several who sustained head, chest, and limb injuries. Among them, three individuals were reported to be in critical condition and were subsequently transferred to a hospital in Kolkata for specialized treatment. The remaining injured are stable and receiving medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have confirmed that the driver of the auto was not immediately arrested, but investigations are ongoing. CCTV footage from the scene shows the auto losing control and crashing after hitting the debris, with both vehicles sustaining significant damage. The police are reviewing the footage to understand if the driver’s actions contributed to the severity of the accident. Local authorities are also investigating the role of the narrow road and overcrowding in contributing to the crash.