Ten pilgrims are dead after a bus crash yesterday morning in Burdwan, a terrible event that has sent shockwaves through the community. The passenger bus, carrying people on a holy trip from Bihar, hit a parked truck on National Highway-19. Many more people are badly hurt. emergency workers are still at the crash site, helping those trapped and taking the injured to nearby hospitals. Doctors are working hard to treat everyone. police are looking into what caused this disaster. The full story is still coming out, bringing great sadness to families waiting for news.
Accident Details Unfold
On Friday morning, August 15, 2025, a tragic bus crash in the Burdwan district of West Bengal claimed the lives of ten pilgrims and left at least thirty-five others injured. The accident happened around 7:00 AM in the Nala Ferry Ghat area, which is located on National Highway 19 in East Burdwan. The passenger bus was on its way back from a pilgrimage when it hit a truck that was parked on the side of the road. The force of the crash was very strong, causing significant damage to the front part of the bus and trapping many passengers inside. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a loud sound when the bus hit the truck. Initial reports suggest that the truck might have been parked without proper warning signs on the road. Locals in the area have also pointed to the high speed of the bus as a possible reason for this terrible accident. The accident led to heavy traffic on National Highway 19, requiring a large number of police officers to manage the flow and clear the road.
The Victims and Their Journey
The pilgrims on the bus were mostly from Bihar, specifically from the Motihari area in East Champaran district. They were returning home after visiting Gangasagar, a holy place in the South 24 Parganas district. The journey had started on August 8. The bus was carrying about 45 to 60 passengers. Among the ten people who died, eight were men and two were women. Many of the injured were also pilgrims. officials confirmed that six children were among those hurt. The victims had embarked on this religious trip together, making the impact of this tragedy deeply felt within their community. Authorities are now working to properly identify all the deceased and get in touch with their families to inform them of the sad news.
Quick Help and Rescue Efforts
After the crash, local residents were the first to rush to the scene and start helping the victims. They worked quickly to assist those trapped and injured inside the damaged bus. Soon after, police and official rescue teams arrived at the site. Cranes were used to separate the bus from the truck and free the passengers who were stuck. Ambulances were used to take the injured passengers to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Most of the injured were taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Medical staff are providing care for the many people who suffered injuries, some of which are serious. The immediate actions of the locals and the quick response of the rescue teams were crucial in saving lives and getting the injured to care as fast as possible.
Investigation Gets Underway
Police have started a full investigation into the accident to find out exactly what caused it. Early findings suggest that the bus driver might have fallen asleep while driving, which could have led to the collision. The bus lost control and hit the back of the parked truck before overturning. Police are talking to people who saw the accident to gather more details. They are also checking any camera footage from the area to comprehend the sequence of events that led to the crash. There have been concerns raised by local people about trucks often being parked unsafely on the main highway, even when there is a service lane available. This issue might be looked into as part of the ongoing investigation. A case has been filed. officials are committed to a thorough probe to interpret the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Government Responds to the Tragedy
Government officials have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives in the Burdwan bus accident. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, shared his grief and announced financial help for the victims. He stated that the families of those who died would receive an ex-gratia payment of Rupees 2 lakh each. For the injured passengers, Rupees 50,000 each has been announced as compensation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the accident and announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. Besides, the CM also announced Rs 50,000 as compensation for each injured passenger. The CM has also directed the officials to remain in touch with their counterparts in West Bengal and ensure proper treatment for the injured persons. He also asked officials to ensure that bodies of deceased hailing from the state reach their native place in East Champaran.
The Chief Minister has also asked officials to stay in contact with their counterparts in West Bengal to make sure the injured get proper medical care. Plans are also being made to help transport the bodies of the deceased back to their hometowns in Bihar. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, also announced compensation for those affected by the crash. These steps show the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Looking at Road Safety Rules
This accident brings back focus on the issue of road safety, especially for long-distance bus travel and pilgrim buses. Road accidents are a serious concern, with a high number of deaths reported each year. The government has been working on various measures to improve safety on roads. Recently, a new government plan came into effect from May 5, 2025, which provides free medical care for road accident victims. Under this “Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025,” any person hurt in a road accident can get free treatment at approved hospitals for up to Rupees 1. 5 lakh for seven days from the date of the accident. This scheme aims to save lives by ensuring quick medical help. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced this scheme. In addition to this, there are ongoing discussions about making bus travel safer through new rules. The Road Transport Ministry has plans to require bus body certification from government-approved agencies and the installation of “indirect vision” devices to help drivers see better. These devices are like modern car systems that show real-time video feeds from blind spots. While the body certifications will be a must, the vision devices might be optional for bus operators. Such measures are vital to prevent future tragedies and improve the safety of all road users. Burdwan, particularly along National Highway 19, has been noted as an area with a higher number of accidents. 
