6 Kanwariyas killed, 24 injured as bus crashes into truck in Jharkhand’s Deoghar
Deoghar (Jharkhand), July 29, 2025 – A devastating road accident claimed the lives of six Kanwariyas and injured 24 others early Tuesday morning in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district. The bus carrying the devotees collided with a truck near the Jamuniya forest, just outside Mohanpur town.
The crash happened around 4:30 am, near the route to Baba Baidyanath Dham, a sacred site for the Kanwar pilgrims. This stretch is especially busy during the holy month of Shravan.
Sacred Journey Ends in Tragedy
The victims were Hindu pilgrims walking the Kanwar Yatra, a religious journey during Shravan. Devotees collect water from the Ganga River and offer it to Lord Shiva at Baidyanath Dham.
The group had boarded a private bus from Bihar, many coming from districts like Banka, Bhagalpur, and Munger. Reports say the bus driver may have been drowsy and rammed the vehicle into a parked truck carrying LPG cylinders. The crash crushed the front portion of the bus, trapping several passengers inside.
Villagers heard the crash and rushed to help. They pulled out the injured while waiting for rescue teams and fire officials to arrive with cutting tools.
Conflicting Death Toll
Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri confirmed that six people died and 24 sustained injuries. However, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed on social media that 18 Kanwariyas died, although authorities have not supported this figure.
Inspector General S.K. Sinha from the Dumka Range confirmed five deaths initially, and one more death occurred later at the hospital.
Injured Pilgrims Receive Treatment
Authorities sent the injured to Deoghar Sadar Hospital for initial care. Doctors later shifted those with serious injuries to AIIMS Deoghar and other specialized centers.
Hospital staff reported multiple fractures, head injuries, and chest trauma in several patients. Seven victims remain in critical condition, some requiring ventilator support.
Government Acts Quickly
Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed sorrow and assured all help. He stated, “We stand with the families. All medical support is being provided.”
The administration has announced compensation for the deceased’s families. Medical expenses for the injured are being covered by the state government. Officials have launched an investigation to determine how the crash occurred.
The Transport Department is reviewing road safety measures along pilgrimage routes. They are checking vehicles for proper registration, fitness, and driver condition.
Firsthand Witness Accounts
Local resident Ramesh Das, who helped rescue people, said, “We heard a loud crash. When we arrived, it was chaos. Some passengers were stuck under seats. We broke glass to pull them out.”
Another witness, Meena Devi, said, “The truck had LPG cylinders. If one had exploded, the entire bus might have gone up in flames.”
The Shravani Mela Crowd and Risks
Each year, lakhs of pilgrims travel to Deoghar for the Shravani Mela. Many walk for days, while others use buses or trucks to reach the holy shrine. During this time, roads become crowded, and accidents often rise.
This year, more than 500,000 devotees are expected. Many travel in packed vehicles over long distances. Often, drivers go without rest to meet deadlines, which increases the risk of accidents.
Political Dispute Emerges
MP Nishikant Dubey visited the injured and offered condolences. However, his post claiming 18 deaths sparked debate. Officials say the actual number is lower and advised caution before spreading unverified information.
Dubey has criticized the local administration for failing to manage safety during the yatra. In response, district officials asked people to wait for verified updates before making assumptions.
Time for Better Safety Measures
This accident raises serious questions about safety during religious pilgrimages. Road experts say the government must:
- Deploy traffic patrols during high-risk hours
- Ensure drivers are well-rested and trained
- Install safety barriers on dangerous stretches
- Provide emergency medical stations along the Kanwar routes
With better planning and stricter rules, such accidents can be avoided.
Conclusion
The Deoghar bus accident has left families devastated and exposed the risks involved in mass pilgrimages. While faith inspires millions to walk long distances during Shravan, safety must come first.
As the Shravani Mela continues, the state must act quickly to prevent more tragedies. Proper coordination, stronger enforcement, and public awareness can help protect those on this sacred journey.
