Gas tanker leakage incident: Casualties rise to 4, 3 others in critical state

DERGAON, March 1 - The death toll rose to four in the gas tanker leakage accident, which occurred at Rangaliting in Golaghat district under Dergaon PS on Monday night.

Belmoti Bhumij (50), who was under treatment at the Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, succumbed to her injuries last night.

Three other persons � Binod Bhuyan, Matu Bhuyan and Dipak Bhumij � are now fighting for their lives at the AMCH, while Khagen Bhumij is undergoing treatment at Jorhat Medical College Hospital.

According to sources, among the injuries the condition of Dipak is stated to be critical.

Talking to this Correspondent, Dergaon Circle Officer Lakhimi Dutta said that 12 houses were gutted, and that a proposal has been made for giving financial assistance of Rs 95,100 each to the owners of those houses. The amount will be paid through account payee cheques.

Meanwhile, ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh has been paid to the kin of a victim and another such payment will be made to another person, who is now undergoing treatment.

Altogether 47 persons are sheltering in the camp for the last three days at Rangaliting Bagicha LP School. Essential items have been provided in the camp and the Circle Officer is monitoring the activities personally.

Agricultural Minister Atul Bora visited the spot and took stock of the situation.