Multiple fatalities after two collisions on NH-19; investigations opened
Durgapur, West Burdwan: Two separate road accidents on National Highway 19 in Durgapur on Sunday morning claimed the lives of five people and left another five critically injured, the police said. The incidents, which occurred at different points along the arterial route linking Durgapur and Asansol, prompted emergency response teams to rush victims to local hospitals.
Raspreet Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, said, "Five people have died so far in two accidents in Durgapur this morning. Several have been admitted to the hospital. They are undergoing treatment." The statement was reported by the local police.
The first crash involved a motorcycle and a stationary or slow-moving truck near the Bhiringi intersection while the two-wheeler was heading towards Piala. According to the police account, the bike was carrying three people — two young men and a woman — when, allegedly at high speed, it hit the rear of the truck. All three riders were thrown from the motorcycle and were taken to Durgapur Sub-District Hospital, where they were declared dead.
"The speed of the bike at the time of the accident and whether the three riders were drunk are being investigated," the police said.
Local residents described a severe impact, saying the bike's front portion became wedged against the truck. Police later used a crane to separate the two vehicles. The bodies of the three victims were sent for autopsy.
The second collision occurred while a four-wheeler was entering the Andal crossing service road from Durgapur towards Asansol. The car reportedly rammed into the rear of a bus. Seven people were in the car, including the driver; two were pronounced dead at the scene and the remaining five were taken to Bidhannagar Hospital in critical condition. It is understood that the passengers had been returning from a cultural event, police said.
- Deaths: 5 (three on motorcycle, two in car)
- Critically injured: 5 (hospitalised — Durgapur Sub-District Hospital and Bidhannagar Hospital)
- Locations: Near Bhiringi intersection (motorcycle-truck collision); Andal crossing service road (car-bus rear-end collision)
The police said formal inquiries have begun to determine causation — including vehicle speeds, potential intoxication, driver error and mechanical conditions. Both accident sites are part of NH-19, a busy corridor that carries long-distance and local traffic between Durgapur and Asansol, raising concerns about enforcement and road safety on the stretch.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Highway | National Highway 19 |
| First incident | Motorcycle hit the back of a truck; 3 dead |
| Second incident | Car rammed into rear of a bus at Andal crossing service road; 2 dead, 5 injured |
Officials have not yet released the identities of the deceased. Autopsies are being carried out for the three motorcycle victims, while medical teams continue to treat the critically injured. Police said they are collecting evidence from both scenes and are examining whether traffic violations or vehicle conditions contributed to the crashes.
The twin accidents come as a sober reminder to commuters and motorists across the Burdwan belt about the hazards on major trunk routes during festive movement and routine travel. Road safety activists in the region have long urged stricter speed checks, better signage and enforcement on NH-19, saying rapid traffic growth has not been matched by commensurate safety measures.
Police urged motorists to exercise caution and abide by traffic rules. Investigations remain active and further details will be released as inquiries progress, the police said.
