Seven people died in a head-on collision between a passenger minibus and a freight truck on National Highway 27 in Assam.
Six other passengers suffered critical injuries and were taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The minibus lost control, crossed the concrete road median, and hit the oncoming truck.
Local villagers blocked the highway for several hours following the accident to demand the suspension of toll collection. Protesters blamed large potholes on the road for causing vehicle instability.
State authorities started an investigation into the incident and pointed to possible contractor negligence and poor highway maintenance. Officials also announced compensation for the families of the victims.
