Six Kanwariyas were killed and at least 24 others injured when a bus ferrying pilgrims collided with a gas cylinder-laden truck near Jamunia forest in Deoghar’s Mohanpur block early Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred around 5:30 AM as the Kanwariyas were en route to Baba Baidyanath Dham during the holy month of Shravan.
Health and Disaster Management Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, who rushed to Deoghar Sadar Hospital on the directive of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, confirmed the casualties and announced an ex gratia of ₹1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹20,000 each for the injured.
Dr. Ansari also directed officials to immediately refer the critically injured to higher medical centres. Eight injured have been admitted to AIIMS Deoghar, while others are being treated at Sadar Hospital.
Terming the incident “extremely unfortunate,” Dr. Ansari assured full government support to the victims’ families. “As a doctor and minister, I stand with the affected families in this tragic hour. The government is ensuring all necessary assistance,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra said that rescue operations were carried out promptly and that administrative teams remain on alert to assist victims and manage hospital logistics.
Meanwhile, local MP Nishikant Dubey claimed on X that 18 pilgrims had died in the crash, although the official death toll remains at six.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences through an official statement, calling the accident “deeply saddening” and extending prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The road accident in Deoghar is extremely painful. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover swiftly,” the Prime Minister said.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident “deeply distressing,” and prayed for strength for the families of the victims and recovery of the injured.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren termed the accident “tragic” and confirmed that relief and medical efforts were underway. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for the grieving families.
Leader of Opposition and former CM Babulal Marandi called the incident a “deeply painful tragedy” and demanded that the district administration ensure proper treatment for all the injured. Former Union Minister Arjun Munda also expressed grief and prayed for the recovery of those injured.
The annual Shravan pilgrimage sees lakhs of Kanwariyas travelling to Deoghar to offer holy water at the Baba Baidyanath temple. Traffic pressure and logistical challenges have risen sharply during the ongoing pilgrimage season.