Guwahati: Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) recorded 82 road accident admissions during Durga Puja, with nine victims brought dead, between Oct 16 and 21.Two-wheeler riders accounted for most cases, while young people formed the majority of those affected.Of the 82 victims, 67 were men, and 15 were women. Eight of the nine victims brought dead were men, and one was a woman, hospital superintendent Dr Devajit Choudhury said.Most victims were from Guwahati and neighbouring areas and were brought to the hospital by police. Others were referred from districts, including Darrang, Nalbari and Barpeta, and reached GMCH by ambulance.Dr Choudhury said the numbers were around 15% lower than last year during the Puja period. However, the severity of the injuries remained a concern.“Around 20% of the admitted patients are still in serious condition and are in the intensive care unit (ICU),” he said. “Head injuries were among the most common serious injuries, with several patients requiring neurosurgical intervention. Doctors were also treating patients with internal injuries, including ruptured spleens and intestinal perforations,” Dr Choudhury said.Young people accounted for a significant share of the victims. Thirty-seven patients were aged between 15 and 30 years, while 11 victims were children aged between five and 15 years. Two-wheeler accidents accounted for 70% of all cases.
