Pilgrims’ Bus-Truck Collision Claims Driver’s Life, Injures 15 on NH19
A pre-dawn collision between a pilgrims’ bus and a stationary container truck on NH19 in Bihar’s Rohtas district left the bus driver dead and 15 passengers injured. The accident occurred near Bikramganj around 4:30 AM on Monday, reigniting concerns over road safety in the region.
Accident Details & Eyewitness Accounts
The bus, traveling from Varanasi to Patna with religious pilgrims, rammed into a poorly parked truck lacking reflectors. Driver Ramesh Kumar (42) died instantly, while injured passengers – including elderly and women – were rushed to Bikramganj District Hospital. Five critical cases were referred to AIIMS Patna.
Police attribute the crash to:
– Low visibility due to morning fog
– Suspected driver fatigue
– Absence of truck warning signs
Emergency Response & Medical Updates
Locals assisted in rescue operations before ambulances arrived. Dr. Anjali Mishra confirmed most injuries were fractures or head trauma, with some requiring surgery. The Bihar government announced:
– ₹4 lakh compensation for driver’s family
– Free treatment for all injured
Investigations & Road Safety Failures
Rohtas SP Vineet Kumar confirmed an FIR against the truck driver for negligence. Separate probes examine:
– Bus operator compliance with rest protocols
– Highway parking violations
Relatives of victims demanded stricter enforcement, with the deceased driver’s son stating, “Proper truck signage could have prevented this.”
Bihar’s Persistent Road Safety Crisis
NH19 – a key Patna-Varanasi route – sees frequent fatal crashes due to:
– Reckless driving
– Inadequate road maintenance
– Weak traffic law enforcement
Road safety expert Rajiv Sinha emphasized: “Authorities must mandate reflectors on parked vehicles and increase night patrols.”
Political Reactions & Next Steps
While CM Nitish Kumar ordered victim assistance, opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav criticized delayed safety reforms. The transport ministry pledged to audit highway blackspots.
