The collision occurred on NH‑15 just after midnight, as the sedan, carrying six Kharupetia residents, was returning from the Durga Puja celebrations in Mangaldai. The vehicle struck a goods truck heading to Tezpur from behind, sending the sedan careening into the truck’s rear.
Two occupants died instantly, while the four injured were rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for treatment. One of the injured died later that day, leaving the total death toll at three.
The victims were identified as Ankush Das, Pritam Das and Mithun Sahu, all residents of ward 7 in Kharupetia. Pritam and Ankush were brothers from the same family, according to a senior police officer.
Police say the crash is under investigation, with investigators reviewing CCTV footage from the highway and interviewing witnesses. The families have lodged formal complaints and are demanding a thorough probe.
The incident has cast a pall over the local community, which had been celebrating the festival. Residents in the area are calling for better traffic regulation at night.