13 Dead, 22 Injured in Katihar Bus-Van Collision on NH-31
A tragic road accident in Katihar district, Bihar, claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left 22 others injured on Saturday evening. The incident involved a head-on collision between a bus and a van on National Highway-31 near Gerabari village, under the jurisdiction of the Kodha police station.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident occurred when a bus traveling from Purnia to Naugachia collided with a van coming from the opposite direction. The van was carrying 35-40 people, all residents of Purnia, who were returning from Jharkhand via Naugachia en route to their homes. According to police reports, eight individuals died on the spot, while five others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at Katihar Sadar Hospital.
Kodha Station House Officer Sujeet Kumar provided further insights, stating that the impact of the collision was so severe that two motorcycles passing nearby also got caught in the crash. He mentioned that injured passengers alleged the bus driver was drunk and had hit one or two places along the journey before the accident at Datpur Musahari Chowk. However, Kumar clarified that there was no concrete proof of intoxication, and the bus driver was among the injured.
Immediate Response and Relief Efforts
Local villagers and police teams swiftly initiated relief and rescue operations upon reaching the spot. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care, while the bodies of the deceased were sent to Katihar Sadar Hospital for postmortem examinations. The chaos that erupted at the accident site was managed by authorities to facilitate these efforts.
Compensation Announced by Chief Minister
In response to the tragedy, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ex gratia payments for the victims' families and the injured. The compensation includes Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for each injured person. This move aims to provide financial support during this difficult time.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This accident highlights ongoing road safety issues in the region, particularly on busy national highways like NH-31. The involvement of a tribal community in the van adds a layer of social concern, emphasizing the need for improved traffic regulations and enforcement to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the collision, with a focus on driver behavior and road conditions.
