Four Tea Garden Workers Killed in Asian Highway 10 Crash Near Hasimara; Three Critically Injured

KalimNews, Birpara, February 28, 2026 : A tragic road accident on Asian Highway 10 near Hasimara in the Central Dooars claimed the lives of four women tea garden workers early Saturday morning, leaving three others critically injured.

According to initial reports, the deceased were workers from the closed Bharnabari Tea Estate. The women were walking along the roadside on their way to another tea garden for their regular morning duties when a speeding car allegedly veered into them near Duars Dhaba.

The impact proved fatal for four of the workers, who died on the spot. Three others sustained severe injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions among local tea garden workers and residents. Soon after the accident, protestors staged a road blockade in the area, demanding accountability and action. Some members of the crowd alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash; however, authorities have not officially confirmed these claims.

Police personnel arrived promptly at the scene and attempted to persuade the protestors to clear the road. However, demonstrators refused to lift the blockade, insisting that the closed tea garden be reopened so that workers are not forced to seek employment in distant gardens. They also raised concerns about the safety of labourers who must travel long distances on foot due to lack of local employment opportunities.

As of the latest reports, the driver and the vehicle involved in the accident are yet to be detained. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and stated that appropriate action will follow based on the findings of the inquiry.

Bishal Lama, Kalchini MLA also reached the spot and joined the demonstration. He demanded the reopening of the tea garden and adequate compensation for the victims’ families. Additionally, he called on the police to impose traffic restrictions in vulnerable stretches of the highway to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and the precarious livelihood conditions of tea garden workers in the region.