Bihar Road Accident: Several Dead, Dozens Injured in horrific Collision in Katihar

Katihar: A horrific road accident occurred in Katihar district of Bihar on Saturday night. Ten people lost their lives in a massive collision involving a bus, a truck, a pickup vehicle, and a motorcycle at Bansgara Chowk (NH-31) in the Korha block on Saturday. Confirming the fatalities, Superintendent of Police (SP) Shikhar Chaudhary stated that the death toll could rise further.

What Was Cause of the Accident?

According to reports, a violent collision took place between a bus traveling from Purnia to Bhagalpur and a pickup vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that a passing truck and a motorcycle were also caught in the crash.

Following the accident at Bansgara Chowk (NH-31) in the Korha block, the scene was filled with cries of distress. With the assistance of local residents and the police, the injured were immediately rushed to the Korha Sub-Divisional Hospital. Reports indicate that 25 people sustained serious injuries in the accident. The injured have been referred to higher medical centers in Purnia and other major hospitals for advanced treatment. Currently, the district administration is engaged in relief operations and the identification of the deceased.

How Much Aid for Families of the Deceased?

Katihar District Magistrate (DM) Ashutosh Dwivedi stated that compensation of ₹2 lakhs is being provided to the families of the deceased, while the injured are receiving ₹50,000 each. Additionally, the statutory compensation stipulated for dependents in cases of death resulting from road accidents will also be disbursed.

When Did the Accident Occur?

The incident took place within the jurisdiction of the Kodha Police Station, near the Bakri Farm at Basgara Chowk on National Highway (NH) 31. Reports indicate that the occupants of the pickup truck were returning to Shobha—located within the Rani Patra Police Station area of ​​Purnia—after participating in a religious ritual. During their journey, a speeding bus collided with the pickup van.

The collision has reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately ten people, while two dozen others have sustained injuries. According to local residents, the victims—members of the tribal community—were returning to Purnia from Jharkhand after completing a religious ceremony. It was during this return journey that the bus, traveling at high speed and having lost control, crashed directly into the pickup truck.

Local residents have also alleged that the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol. Senior officials from both the district administration and the police department have arrived at the scene; they have arranged for the injured to be transported to the Purnia Medical College for treatment and have commenced further necessary proceedings.

How did the authorities respond?

According to the police, immediate action was taken by the local force upon receiving information about the incident; officers promptly reached the scene and initiated rescue operations. Following preliminary first aid, approximately 25 individuals injured in the accident are being transferred to nearby hospitals for advanced medical treatment.

The police further stated that law and order at the accident site remain completely under control, and efforts are currently underway to restore the smooth flow of traffic.