On July 29, 2025, a tragic Jharkhand bus accident in Deoghar district claimed the lives of 18 Hindu pilgrims after their bus collided with a truck transporting cooking gas cylinders. The pilgrims were traveling during Shravan, a sacred month in the Hindu calendar when devotees carry Ganges water to offer at Lord Shiva temples.
Details of Jharkhand Bus Accident
The crash severely damaged the bus, with the rear portion nearly engulfed in flames due to the flammable cargo in the truck. Emergency teams rushed to the scene to manage the chaos, rescue survivors, and clear the wreckage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the crash a “profound tragedy.” Local MP Nishikant Dubey also responded, mourning the loss of devoted pilgrims and urging support for their families.
This incident sheds light on India’s persistent road safety crisis. According to 2023 data, over 172,000 people died in road accidents across the country. Factors like overcrowded vehicles, poor road conditions, and lack of enforcement of safety measures continue to endanger travelers, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and relief efforts are ongoing. The tragedy has reignited conversations around improving transport infrastructure and enhancing safety measures for long-distance and religious travel.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 29th, 2025
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