North Bengal: Dense Fog Turns Deadly on Highways A Tragic Morning in Alipurduar
North Bengal: Three lives were lost in a devastating road accident in the early hours of Saturday in the Alipurduar region of West Bengal, highlighting once again the serious dangers posed by dense winter fog on highways across north Bengal. The collision not only claimed lives but also raised urgent questions about road safety, visibility management, and preventive measures during extreme weather conditions.
The Incident and Location Details
The fatal accident occurred in the Garam Basati area of Alipurduar district along a busy stretch of National Highway 31. According to police reports, a small passenger car travelling towards Siliguri collided head-on with a 12-wheeler trailer coming from the opposite direction. The impact was severe enough to push the heavy trailer off the road and into a roadside ditch, while the smaller vehicle was completely mangled.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accident took place after a failed overtaking attempt. Due to extremely low visibility caused by thick fog, the driver of the car was reportedly unable to properly assess oncoming traffic. The head-on collision occurred within seconds, leaving little or no time for evasive action by either vehicle.
Victims Identified by Authorities
Police confirmed that the driver of the car, Monojit Biswas, died instantly at the scene. He was a resident of the Sankosh tea garden area under the Kumargram block of Alipurduar district. The other two victims, Souvik Biswas and Raju Mandal, also lost their lives due to the severity of injuries sustained in the crash. Souvik Biswas, a cousin of the driver, hailed from the same tea garden locality, while Raju Mandal was a resident of Alipurduar town and worked as a professional car mechanic.
Impact of Dense Fog on Road Conditions
Local residents and regular commuters stated that north Bengal has been experiencing persistent dense fog over the past several days. During early morning and late-night hours, visibility on highways often drops to near zero. Such conditions significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly on national highways where vehicles move at higher speeds and overtaking is common.
Police Advisory and Preventive Measures
Following the accident, police officials reiterated advisories urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while travelling during foggy conditions. Special emphasis has been placed on reducing speed, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and using fog lights appropriately. Authorities have also discussed welfare-oriented steps such as arranging hot milk, tea, and biscuits for long-distance drivers travelling at night, aiming to reduce fatigue and improve alertness.
Official Statement on Seasonal Risks
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) from Siliguri, Kazi Shamsuddin Ahmed, stated that reduced visibility during winter is an annual phenomenon in this region. He emphasized that heightened awareness and responsible driving behavior are essential to prevent such tragedies. According to him, the loss of three lives in a single accident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety precautions during adverse weather.
Another Traffic Incident in Kolkata
In a separate incident reported the same morning, a container truck overturned after hitting a divider on the Vidyasagar Bridge in Kolkata. Although no casualties were reported, the accident caused significant traffic congestion on the bridge, which is a vital link between Howrah and Kolkata. Fortunately, the container was moving at a relatively low speed, preventing a more serious outcome.
Growing Need for Road Safety Awareness
These back-to-back incidents underline the urgent need for improved road safety awareness, especially during winter months. Dense fog, high-speed travel, and driver fatigue together create a dangerous combination. Strict adherence to traffic rules, better signage, and real-time weather alerts could play a crucial role in reducing such fatal accidents in the future.