Guwahati: The deadly collision between a passenger traveller and a container vehicle at Rongajan near Kaziranga has brought back memories of several major road and transport accidents in Assam’s history.
The accident on November 13, 2026, claimed 25 lives, according to the figures provided in the initial reports. It has once again drawn attention to some of the state’s deadliest transport tragedies, many of which involved buses carrying passengers.
Some of the major accidents reported in Assam over the years include:
Nagini Kaur bus accident, Barpeta (April 2006): One of the deadliest bus accidents in the state occurred at Nagini Kaur in Barpeta district when a bus carrying a wedding party met with a tragic accident. Around 64 people reportedly lost their lives. The bus was carrying approximately 75 people, including the driver.
Rajabari bus accident, Demow (November 1994): A passenger bus reportedly lost control and fell into a pond at Rajabari in the Demow area. Around 60 people were killed in the accident.
Nalbari-Guwahati road accident (October 1986): A passenger bus travelling from Nalbari towards Guwahati reportedly lost control near Guwahati and plunged into a roadside pond. Around 50 people died.
Wooden bridge collapse on the Guwahati-Nalbari road (1986): Another major accident was reported on the Guwahati-Nalbari route in 1986. A wooden bridge collapsed as a passenger bus was crossing it, causing the vehicle to fall into a deep gorge. Around 52 people reportedly lost their lives.
Pathali Pahar train-bus collision (September 11, 1986): A passenger bus was hit by a goods train while crossing an unmanned railway crossing at Pathali Pahar. Around 28 passengers were killed in the collision.
Hajo wedding bus accident (May 31, 2011): A bus carrying a wedding party fell into a deep gorge after a wooden bridge collapsed at Chuburi in Hajo, Kamrup district. The accident claimed 27 lives.
Rongajan accident near Kaziranga (November 13, 2026): A head-on collision between a passenger traveller and a container vehicle at Rongajan, near Kaziranga, claimed 25 lives, according to initial reports. Several others were injured.
The repeated occurrence of such tragedies has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, road conditions, bridge infrastructure and the need for stronger safety measures across the state.
