At least 24 killed as truck and bus collide in India's Assam

At least 24 people have been killed after a container truck collided with a bus on a highway in Golaghat district of India's northeastern state of Assam. Eleven other people were injured in the crash, police said.

The crash happened on Friday on a highway near Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its one-horned rhinos. The site is about 225 kilometres (140 miles) east of the state capital, Dispur.

Officials said several children and the bus driver were among the dead, and that the death toll was expected to rise.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X that he was deeply distressed by the tragic accident. 'The scale of this loss has shaken all of us, and my heart goes out to every family that has lost a loved one. No words can ease their pain, but I want them to know that they are not alone. All of Assam stands with them in this hour of grief,' he said.

The chief minister added that local authorities were at the site and that he was personally overseeing the relief arrangements to make sure the injured received the best possible medical care without delay.

Swapnaneel Deka, superintendent of police of Golaghat district, told the Reuters news agency that it was likely the death toll would increase. He said the bus was travelling to a neighbouring district with about 30 people on board.

India has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the world, with accidents happening regularly, in part due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles.