Dozens of Pilgrims Killed in Jharkhand Bus-Truck Collision
A tragic road accident in Jharkhand's Deoghar district has killed numerous Kanwariya pilgrims and injured over 20 others. The incident occurred early Tuesday when a bus carrying the devotees collided with a truck loaded with gas cylinders. Official police reports confirm at least five deaths, with some officials citing a higher toll of nine, while an MP claimed 18 fatalities. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, and authorities fear the death toll may rise as several victims are in serious condition.
Unpacked:
Kanwariya pilgrims are devotees of Lord Shiva who participate in the annual Kanwar Yatra, especially during the Hindu month of Shravan. They carry sacred water from the Ganga River, often on foot, to offer at Shiva temples such as the Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. The pilgrimage is seen as an act of devotion, penance, and spiritual discipline.
Deoghar is home to the Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major destination for Kanwariya pilgrims. Pilgrims collect Ganga water from Sultanganj and walk roughly 100 km to Deoghar to offer it to Lord Shiva, following a centuries-old tradition rooted in Hindu mythology and faith.
Authorities usually deploy extra police, medical tents, and traffic controls due to the large crowds and busy routes. However, accidents, including road mishaps and stampedes, have occurred before, reflecting challenges in managing millions of pilgrims and heavy vehicle movement on pilgrimage routes.
Conflicting reports often arise immediately after accidents due to chaotic conditions and varying sources (officials, MPs, media). Authorities verify death tolls through hospital records, police documentation, and identification of victims, updating figures as more information becomes available and as critically injured victims’ conditions change.