A tragic road accident in Deoghar district of Jharkhand on the morning of July 29, 2025, claimed the lives of several Kanwariya devotees, as per initial reports. The accident occurred around 4:30 am near the Jamuniya forest area, under the jurisdiction of Mohanpur police station, when a bus carrying Kanwariyas collided head-on with a truck transporting gas cylinders.

The number of fatalities remains unclear, with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claiming 18 deaths, while officials from the police and traffic department have shared lower figures, ranging between five to nine confirmed casualties. Regardless of the final toll, the incident has triggered widespread sorrow and urgent medical responses.

Conflicting Reports on Death Toll

BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey, who represents the Deoghar Lok Sabha constituency, was the first to share the tragic news on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:

“In my Lok Sabha constituency of Deoghar, during the Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan, 18 devotees lost their lives due to a bus and truck accident. May Baba Baidyanath Ji grant strength to their families to bear this grief.”

On the other hand, Inspector General (Dumka Zone), Shailendra Kumar Sinha, confirmed that at least five persons were killed and many others injured in the crash. His statement was supported by Traffic Deputy SP Laxman Prasad, who put the official death toll at nine as of his last report.

Details of the Accident

The accident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning when a 32-seater private bus carrying Kanwariyas collided with a truck laden with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The impact occurred near the Jamuniya forest area, an isolated stretch that often sees long-distance vehicular movement.

As per preliminary investigation and local witness accounts, the bus driver may have lost control due to fatigue or poor visibility, colliding into the oncoming truck. The collision was severe, and several passengers sitting in the front rows were killed instantly.

Some reports suggest that the gas cylinders remained intact, avoiding what could have turned into an even more catastrophic explosion. Emergency services and law enforcement were quick to arrive at the scene, launching rescue efforts within the hour.

Injured Being Treated in Hospitals

Authorities rushed the injured to nearby hospitals and primary health centres (PHCs) in Deoghar and adjoining areas. Several victims were airlifted or moved via ambulances due to the critical nature of their injuries.

The district administration, led by the Deoghar District Collector and medical teams, has mobilized resources, including trauma care specialists, ambulances, and mobile medical units to provide emergency care to the injured.

Local residents and fellow Kanwariya devotees also joined in helping rescue the trapped passengers, some of whom were reportedly pulled from the wreckage using gas-cutters.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren Reacts

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren took to social media to express his condolences. In a heartfelt message posted on X, he said:

“This morning, extremely sad news was received about the death of devotees traveling in a bus accident near Jamunia Chowk in the Mohanpur block of Deoghar. The district administration is providing relief and rescue operations along with medical facilities for the injured. May Baba Baidyanath grant peace to the souls of the devotees who died in the accident and give strength to the grieving families to bear this hour of sorrow.”

CM Soren further instructed the district officials to ensure full medical support for the injured and to assist the families of the deceased in every possible way.

Context: Kanwar Yatra and Devotion

The accident took place during the Kanwar Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage observed during the Shravan month. Devotees known as Kanwariyas undertake a journey to collect holy water from the Ganges and walk back to their hometowns, especially to pour the water on Lord Shiva’s shrines.

Deoghar, home to the famous Baba Baidyanath Dham, is one of the most significant sites for Kanwariya pilgrims. Thousands of devotees visit the temple town every day during Shravan, often traveling by buses, trucks, or on foot in large groups.

Given the high footfall and congestion during this period, the region is known for frequent traffic snarls, over-speeding, and occasional accidents, although none in recent memory have been this devastating.

Political and Administrative Response

The tragic incident has sparked political reactions, with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanding a detailed investigation into the causes behind the collision. He also called for better road safety protocols, especially during peak pilgrimage months.

Meanwhile, the local police, traffic authorities, and the District Disaster Response Team (DDRT) have launched a comprehensive inquiry. Both the bus and truck drivers are being investigated, and authorities are trying to establish whether fatigue, mechanical failure, or reckless driving contributed to the crash.

The Deoghar district administration has also issued a helpline number for relatives of the victims, and is setting up a control room to coordinate ongoing rescue and medical operations.

National Outpouring of Grief

The news has also drawn widespread sympathy from across the nation, with citizens expressing shock and sorrow at the unfortunate event. Social media platforms are flooded with prayers for the deceased and speedy recovery wishes for the injured. Religious organisations and local NGOs have stepped in to provide food, water, and counselling to the affected families.

Conclusion

The bus-truck collision in Deoghar is a grim reminder of the challenges faced during large-scale religious pilgrimages in India. While the exact death toll is still being reconciled, it is clear that multiple lives were lost, leaving behind families shattered in the middle of a sacred journey.

As the investigation progresses and rescue operations continue, all eyes will remain on the authorities to ensure accountability, support, and necessary policy changes to prevent such tragedies in the future. For now, the town of Deoghar mourns, and the country stands in solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident.

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