A tragic road accident in West Bengal today claims the lives of several pilgrims from Bihar, sending shockwaves through both states. The bus carrying devotees on a sacred journey overturned early this morning, causing immediate fatalities and leaving many more injured. Rescue teams are working hard at the crash site as details continue to come in about this terrible event. Families anxiously await news, fearing the worst for their loved ones as this devastating incident casts a dark shadow over their holy trip.
Tragic Road Crash in East Burdwan Claims Pilgrim Lives
A severe road accident in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district has caused the deaths of ten pilgrims from Bihar and left 35 others hurt. The incident happened on Friday morning, August 15, 2025, when a bus carrying the pilgrims hit a truck parked on the side of National Highway 19. The bus was returning to Bihar after the pilgrims had visited holy sites. Police and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, working to help those affected. The injured people were taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for urgent care.
Details of the Accident
The crash took place around 7:00 AM on National Highway 19, specifically near Phaguipur or Nala Ferry Ghat in East Burdwan district. The bus, which was a luxury vehicle, had 45 people inside. It was travelling towards Durgapur at the time of the collision. The impact was very strong, causing the front part of the bus to be heavily damaged, trapping many passengers. Out of the ten people who died, eight were men and two were women. Among the 35 injured, six were children. All the victims were pilgrims from Bihar, mostly from Motihari in East Champaran district, including areas like Chiraisa Saraswa Ghat and villages such as Sarsawa, Lalbegiya. Chiraiya. They were on their way back home after completing a pilgrimage that included visits to Deoghar and Gangasagar. The journey had started from Motihari on August 8.
Immediate Rescue and Care Efforts
When the accident happened, local residents quickly rushed to the site to help the victims. They worked to pull injured people from the wreckage. Soon after, police and official rescue teams arrived to continue the efforts. Ambulances were used to take the injured passengers to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Many of those hurt are in a serious condition. doctors are providing urgent medical treatment. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and contact their families. Efforts are also being made to help the survivors get back home.
Ongoing Investigation and Possible Causes
Police have started a thorough investigation to find out the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a few possible reasons. Some police reports indicate that the bus driver might have fallen asleep while driving. Other reports point to high speed as a main factor. There are also claims from locals that the truck was parked improperly on the roadside without proper warning, which could have led to the collision. Law enforcement officials are examining all possible angles, including whether mechanical problems with the bus played a role or if poor visibility was a factor. The driver of the bus is among the injured and will be questioned once medical conditions allow. CCTV camera footage from the area is being checked to gather more details.
Government Response and Support
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has shared his deep sadness over the accident. He announced financial help for the families of the victims.
“The Chief Minister has expressed condolences over the casualties in the road accident that took place on the roadside in Burdwan. He is deeply saddened by the deaths of Bihar natives in the incident. announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the immediate family members of the deceased.”
Also, the Chief Minister also announced Rs 50,000 as compensation for each injured passenger. He has instructed officials in Bihar to stay in contact with their counterparts in West Bengal to ensure that the injured pilgrims receive proper medical treatment. The Bihar government is also making arrangements to ensure the bodies of the deceased are sent back to their home villages in East Champaran. East Champaran district Magistrate Saurav Jorwal is actively coordinating these efforts with West Bengal authorities.
Concerns About Road Safety
This tragic accident has again brought attention to ongoing concerns about road safety on national highways. Experts and local residents often highlight issues such as vehicles being parked on roadsides without proper warning, drivers speeding. driver fatigue as common causes of such crashes. West Bengal has been working to improve road safety. The state government, with help from experts, has put new speed limits in place based on different road types and traffic conditions. For example, the maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 kilometers per hour. New speed cameras have also been installed on non-urban roads outside Kolkata to help enforce these rules. Despite these efforts, incidents like this accident show the ongoing need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better monitoring of commercial vehicles. Local people have asked authorities to improve street lighting, road signs. police patrolling in areas where accidents happen often. Data shows that road accidents in India cause a large number of deaths and injuries each year, with driver fault being a major reason. The government observes Road Safety Week to raise awareness about these essential issues.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Accident | Friday, August 15, 2025 |
| Time of Accident | Around 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Location | NH-19, near Phaguipur / Nala Ferry Ghat, Purba Bardhaman (East Burdwan) district, West Bengal |
| Vehicles Involved | Pilgrim bus and a stationary truck (or tractor) |
| Number of Deceased | 10 (some reports mention 11 initially) |
| Gender of Deceased | 8 men, 2 women |
| Number of Injured | 35 (some reports mention 25 initially) |
| Children Injured | 6 |
| Total Passengers on Bus | 45 |
| Origin of Pilgrims | Motihari, East Champaran district, Bihar |
| Destination | Returning to Bihar from Gangasagar (and Deoghar) |
| Hospital for Injured | Burdwan Medical College and Hospital |
| Ex-gratia for Deceased | Rs 2 lakh (from Bihar CM) |
| Compensation for Injured | Rs 50,000 (from Bihar CM) |
