On July 29, 2025, a tragic road accident occurred in Deoghar district, Jharkhand state, eastern India, when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims collided head-on with a truck loaded with gas cylinders. The pilgrims were on their way to offer holy water at the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple as part of the Shravani Mela celebrations during the sacred month of Shravan.
The collision, which took place near Jamuniya village by the Jamuniya River, resulted in at least 18 deaths and numerous injuries, with some reports noting around 10 critically hurt. The bus was carrying about 32 to 35 pilgrims (Kanwariyas), and the impact severely damaged the vehicle. Rescue operations by police, ambulance services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were promptly undertaken to extract victims and provide medical care.
Jharkhand MP Nishikant Dubey confirmed the fatalities and offered condolences, praying for strength for the bereaved families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "extremely tragic" and conveyed deep condolences. Local authorities deployed cranes to clear wreckage and are investigating the cause, focusing on whether driver negligence contributed to the crash.
The Jharkhand state government declared compensation packages for the victims' families and assured free medical treatment for the injured. Officials are also intensifying safety checks in the pilgrimage area to prevent future accidents.
This accident highlights the perils Hindu pilgrims face on India's often hazardous roads, especially during popular religious festivals attracting large crowds.
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