Seven killed in NH-27 minibus-truck crash near Sonapur; CM blames NHAI, locals protest at toll plaza
A head-on collision near Tetelia killed seven people and injured several others, triggering protests over potholes and renewed scrutiny of maintenance on the Khanapara–Sonapur–Jagiroad stretch.
GUWAHATI- A head-on collision between a 26-seater traveller and a goods truck on National Highway-27 at Tetelia near Sonapur in Kamrup Metropolitan district on Sunday evening, August 30, 2026, has left seven people dead and several others injured. Four people died at the spot. Three more succumbed later while under treatment. Seven others were reported undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Police said the passenger vehicle was travelling from the Nagaon side towards Guwahati when it reportedly hit a large pothole, lost control, crossed the median, and slammed into the oncoming truck. About 14 people, including the driver and helper, were in the minibus. No one in the truck was reported injured.
Identities of the deceased released by officials include Idris Ali, Anima Deka Bordoloi, Insan Ali, Tafazzul Ali, Gopal Das, Jyotika Ronghang, and Prashanta Talukdar.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the accident site at Tetelia in Sonapur on Monday. He said poor maintenance by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was responsible.
“The public claimed that potholes on the national highway caused this accident. The police, in its investigation, found that poor maintenance by the NHAI is responsible for this unfortunate accident,” Sarma told reporters.
He said the Chief Secretary had spoken to the NHAI chairman, who assured immediate repairs and closer monitoring of future maintenance. The state government announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the family of each deceased person and free treatment for the injured. A police case has been registered.
The tragic accident at Khetri has left us anguished. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
We have conveyed our concerns to @NHAI_Official and sought corrective action.@assampolice is conducting a thorough investigation and no one found culpable will be spared. pic.twitter.com/Y3AbpiOSVu
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 31, 2026
Hospital updates on the injured and the deceased were given by GMCH Principal Dr Babul Kumar Bezbaruah, who confirmed identities of the seven killed and described the condition of patients in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and ICU.
Angry local residents blocked the highway for hours after the crash and later protested at the Sonapur/Nazirakhat toll gate. They demanded that toll collection be stopped until the damaged Khanapara–Sonapur–Jagiroad stretch is repaired, arguing that commuters should not pay for a hazardous road.
Protesters said the stretch has seen repeated accidents because of potholes and that NHAI had not acted despite earlier complaints. After the agitation, toll collection was reportedly suspended temporarily. Officials later set a seven-day deadline for NHAI to repair potholes on the stretch, with contractors facing scrutiny.
Police and the district administration are continuing the investigation. NHAI has said repair work would be completed within the given timeline.
