At least six Kanwariya pilgrims were killed and around 24 others injured in a tragic collision between a bus and a gas-cylinder-laden truck near Jamuniya forest, Mohanpur block, Deoghar district, early on July 29, 2025. However, MP Nishikant Dubey claimed via social media that 18 devotees died, pointing to conflicting numbers.
Accident Details
The accident occurred at about 4:30 AM, on a winding stretch of road through dense forest. A 32-seater private bus carrying approximately 35 pilgrims en route to Deoghar for the Shravani Mela crashed head-on into a truck loaded with cooking gas cylinders. Eyewitnesses described the bus being torn apart on impact, with frantic rescue efforts following suit as bystanders heard anguished cries from survivors caught in the wreckage.
Emergency Response
Local police, ambulance services, and the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) reached the accident site swiftly. The critically injured were transferred to local primary health centres and Deoghar Sadar Hospital, and several in severe condition were later moved to AIIMS Ranchi.
MP Nishikant Dubey posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“In my Lok Sabha constituency of Deoghar, during the Kanwar Yatra in the holy month of Shravan, 18 devotees lost their lives… May Baba Baidyanath Ji give strength to their families.”
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief and stated that the state government is overseeing rescue operations and medical assistance. District authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra and IG Shailendra Kumar Sinha, confirmed official figures yet acknowledged that the toll could rise as investigations continue and injured recover.
Death Toll Discrepancies
Authorities cite six confirmed deaths, while local BJP MP cites 18 fatalities, creating a significant discrepancy. Officials say casualty numbers are preliminary and that the situation remains fluid. As of now, investigations are ongoing to reconcile the conflicting figures and ensure families are properly informed and compensated.
Context of Shravani Mela
The crash occurred during Shravani Mela, a major pilgrimage in which thousands of Kanwariyas travel to offer holy water at Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Due to large crowds and heavy traffic, the event often sees heightened risk of road incidents, raising concerns over infrastructure and safety enforcement in such regions.
What’s Next
A team has been tasked to investigate potential causes—driver fatigue, speed, vehicle condition, and road visibility are under scrutiny. Compensation packages and medical support have been promised by state officials. Community groups and local NGOs are assisting affected families, while relief operations continue at local hospitals.
Photo Source: AP News
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