Tragic Bus Crash in Burdwan Kills 10 Bihar Pilgrims

A tragic accident in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district claimed the lives of 10 pilgrims from Motihari in Bihar’s East Champaran district, casting a shadow over India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations. The group of 45 passengers, traveling in a luxury bus, was returning home after a spiritual journey to Gangasagar in South 24 Parganas when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck on National Highway-19 near Phaguipur in Burdwan town at around 2:30 AM. The crash left 35 others injured, including six children, who were promptly rushed to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

The deceased included eight men and two women, all part of a close-knit group from Motihari who had embarked on their pilgrimage on August 8. Their itinerary included a visit to the revered Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, before heading to Gangasagar, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site known for its spiritual importance during the Makar Sankranti festival. “The pilgrims were returning home after completing their religious journey,” a police official stated, noting that the group had been traveling for nearly a week.

Preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off course and ram into the parked truck, which was loaded with construction materials. The impact severely damaged the front of the bus, trapping several passengers. Local residents, alerted by the loud crash, rushed to the scene, assisting in rescue efforts alongside police and fire services. “We heard a deafening sound and ran out to help. It was heartbreaking to see the wreckage,” said a nearby shopkeeper who aided in pulling survivors from the debris.

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The injured, some in critical condition, are receiving treatment, with medical teams working tirelessly to stabilize them. “We are doing everything possible to ensure the best care for the victims,” said a hospital spokesperson. Authorities are coordinating with the victims’ families in Motihari, providing updates and arranging transportation for relatives to reach Burdwan. “Efforts are underway to contact the families and support them during this tragedy,” an official added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences via a post on X, announcing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for each deceased victim’s family and ensuring free treatment for the injured. “This is a devastating loss, and we stand with the families of those affected,” she said. The state government has also deployed additional personnel to assist with relief efforts and investigate the accident’s cause.

This incident follows a similar tragedy in February 2025, when a bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh overturned in West Bengal’s Nadia district, killing six. The recurring accidents on NH-19, a busy corridor, have raised concerns about road safety, particularly during late-night travel. Police have registered a case against the driver, who is among the injured, and are examining whether fatigue, poor visibility, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash. The truck driver is also under scrutiny for parking without adequate warning signals.

As the nation mourns, the Burdwan administration has promised a thorough probe to prevent future tragedies, with calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and better monitoring of long-distance bus operations. The loss of these pilgrims underscores the need for enhanced safety measures to protect travelers on India’s highways.

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