Bus Collides with Gas Cylinder Truck in Deoghar; 18 Kanwariyas Killed, Several Injured

Deoghar (Jharkhand), July 29, 2025 – A major tragedy struck early Tuesday morning when a bus carrying Kanwariyas (Shiva devotees) collided with a truck loaded with gas cylinders near the Mohanpur police station area in Deoghar. The horrifying crash claimed the lives of at least 18 pilgrims and left several others seriously injured.

When and Where the Accident Happened

• Time: Around 4:30 AM
• Location: Mohanpur area, near AIIMS, Deoghar, Jharkhand
• Vehicles involved: Passenger bus (full of Kanwariyas) and a gas-cylinder transport truck
• Cause (Preliminary): Overspeeding or driver negligence is suspected; investigation underway.

Who Were the Victims?

The bus was transporting Shiv devotees returning from the Kanwar Yatra during the Sawan month pilgrimage. Most of the deceased were men in their 20s to 40s. Several others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to AIIMS Deoghar and nearby hospitals.

Officials & Political Leaders React

• BJP MP Nishikant Dubey confirmed the death toll and said the injured were being given top medical attention.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief via X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Deoghar accident. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
• Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and other senior officials have ordered a probe and ensured compensation to the families of the deceased.

Why This Tragedy Matters

This incident is one of the deadliest accidents involving religious pilgrims in recent times. The truck’s cargo—highly flammable gas cylinders—could have made the crash even worse. Luckily, no explosion occurred, but the impact crushed the front portion of the bus.

Not the First Incident

In the past month alone:

• Uttarakhand (Tehri): 3 Kanwariyas died, 18 injured as a truck overturned.
• Haryana (Faridabad): 1 Kanwariya electrocuted, 13 others injured when a truck hit power lines.

These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety protocols during mass pilgrimages.

What Happens Next?

• Investigation: Local police are reviewing CCTV footage and vehicle fitness certificates.
• Compensation: ₹2 lakh is expected to be offered per deceased victim by the state government.
• Helpline Numbers: A special control room is being set up for family coordination.

Final Word

This heart-wrenching tragedy has cast a shadow over what is otherwise a sacred and joyous pilgrimage season. While prayers pour in for the departed souls, authorities are under pressure to ensure better transport safety, route checks, and emergency preparedness for such large-scale religious events.

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