3 hrs ago
Assam Protests Intensify After NH-27 Crash Kills Seven Passengers
Seven people died in a crash on National Highway 27 near Khetri in Assam.
Their vehicle hit a truck that was standing on the road.
People living nearby say potholes made the highway dangerous.
They also say the road had been in poor condition for a long time.
Protesters gathered at the Nazirakhat toll plaza.
They want the road fixed before drivers are charged tolls.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told NHAI to repair the damaged sections within seven days.
Police are investigating the crash, and the government has promised help for the families and injured people.
Seven passengers died after a passenger vehicle collided with a stationary truck near Khetri.
Residents and youth organisations protested at Nazirakhat, demanding repairs and suspension of toll collection.
Motorists blamed potholes and poor maintenance, while demanding compensation for victims’ families.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered repairs to damaged highway portions within seven days.
The state announced financial assistance for the deceased victims’ families and medical treatment for the injured.
- Who
- Seven passengers died; residents, motorists and youth organisations protested; Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed repairs.
- What
- A passenger vehicle collided with a stationary truck, prompting protests over potholes, highway maintenance and toll collection.
- Where
- Near Khetri on National Highway 27, including the Nazirakhat toll plaza, on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.
- When
- The protests followed the crash; Sarma visited the site on Sunday and set a seven-day repair deadline. An image is dated August 31, 2026.
- Why
- Protesters said potholes and damaged highway sections endangered motorists and questioned toll collection on an unsafe road.
Protesters and motorists
State authorities
Responsibility for the crash
Protesters and motorists
Motorists and protesters blamed potholes, poor maintenance and the National Highways Authority of India for creating unsafe conditions.
State authorities
The state government said Assam Police was conducting a thorough investigation and that anyone found culpable would face action.
Toll collection
Protesters and motorists
Protesters demanded that toll collection at Nazirakhat stop until the damaged highway stretches are repaired.
State authorities
Authorities did not announce a toll suspension in the article; instead, the chief minister ordered repairs and the toll plaza received security deployment.
What should happen next
Protesters and motorists
Residents called for substantial, sustained maintenance rather than temporary repairs after accidents, and one motorist demanded compensation for victims’ families.
State authorities
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed repairs within seven days and the state announced assistance for victims’ families and treatment for the injured.
Key facts
- Deaths
- Seven passengers eventually succumbed to injuries after the collision.
- Crash location
- National Highway 27 near Khetri, on the outskirts of Guwahati.
- Protest site
- Nazirakhat toll plaza in Assam.
- Main demand
- Immediate highway repairs and suspension of toll collection until damaged sections are fixed.
- Repair deadline
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed NHAI to repair damaged portions within seven days.
- Government assistance
- Financial assistance was announced for deceased victims’ families, with medical treatment assured for the injured.
- Investigation
- Assam Police is conducting an investigation, and the chief minister said those found culpable would not be spared.
Quotes
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister of Assam
“The NHAI is squarely to be blamed for the mishap that claimed several lives. They collect toll but do not keep the roads in good shape. They should pay compensation to the families of the victims and provide the best possible treatment to the injured”
rediff.com
“This stretch of the NH has been in bad shape for quite some time. This accident was waiting to happen. It could have been averted if the authorities had acted in time.”
rediff.com
Sources
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