Deoghar, July 29 – At least 18 Kanwariyas were killed and 10 others seriously injured on Tuesday after a bus carrying pilgrims collided head-on with a truck transporting gas cylinders near Jamuniya village in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district during the ongoing Shravani Mela.
The accident occurred in Mohanpur block along the banks of the Jamuniya River, as the devotees were en route to offer ‘jal’ (holy water) at the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham temple. The impact of the crash was so severe that the bus was torn apart, leaving several passengers trapped in the mangled wreckage.
Emergency services, including police, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations. The injured were taken to Deoghar Sadar Hospital and nearby health centres, with several reported to be in critical condition. A crane was deployed to clear the debris.
Deoghar MP Nishikant Dubey confirmed the incident and expressed grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “May Baba Baidyanath Ji give strength to the families of the deceased.”
Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the accident, examining possible negligence by the drivers. Top district and police officials visited the crash site and hospitals to monitor rescue and medical efforts.
The identities of the deceased are being verified, and post-mortem procedures are underway. The incident has cast a shadow over the Shravani Mela, one of Jharkhand’s largest religious events. (Agencies)
