Ten people were killed Thursday in a head-on collision between an auto-rickshaw and a goods truck in northeastern Indian state of Assam, officials said.

The accident took place on a highway in Karimganj district, about 310 km south of Dispur, the capital city of Assam.

According to police, the dead include five women and two children, Xinhua reported.

Officials said the victims were returning to their homes after participating in a religious ceremony.

Media reports said the truck driver was recklessly driving and failed to control the vehicle to avoid the collision.

Following the accident, the truck driver fled from the scene, police said.