Deoghar, Jul 29: In a devastating incident, at least 18 Kanwariyas lost their lives on Monday when a bus carrying pilgrims collided with a truck transporting gas cylinders in Deoghar district, Jharkhand.
The tragic accident occurred as the devotees were returning after offering holy water at the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. The bus, a 32-seater vehicle, was carrying the pilgrims back from their spiritual journey when it crashed into the gas-laden truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene to rescue the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Several others sustained serious injuries in the collision, and their condition remains critical.
Dr Nishikant Dubey, Member of Parliament for Deoghar, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Sharing the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
"In my Lok Sabha constituency of Deoghar, during the Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan, 18 devotees lost their lives due to a bus and truck accident. May Baba Baidyanath Ji grant strength to their families to bear this grief."
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting the impact was severe due to the heavy load carried by both vehicles. The collision has cast a shadow over the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by thousands of devotees during the Shravan month.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren and other state leaders are expected to issue official statements and announce ex gratia for the bereaved families soon.
The district administration has appealed to all Kanwar Yatra participants and transport operators to exercise utmost caution, especially during the high-traffic pilgrimage season
