In a heart-wrenching incident on NH-31 in Bhagalpur, a high-speed bus from Bhagalpur to Saharsa smashed into an oncoming e-rickshaw and a pickup van near Dayalpur on Tuesday evening, killing four people outright, including a 6-year-old boy. Six others suffered injuries, with five in serious condition.
The e-rickshaw passengers were heading back from Narayanpur after seeking medical help when disaster struck under Jhandapur police jurisdiction. The forceful collision left the vehicles mangled, sparking immediate turmoil on the bustling highway.
Rescue operations kicked off promptly, ferrying the wounded to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital. Bhagalpur DM Dr. Naval Kishor Chaudhary and Naugachia SP visited the crash site, overseeing body recovery and post-mortem procedures. Traffic was restored after removing the damaged vehicles.
So far, two deceased have been named: Katihar resident Arvind Kumar Mandal and Khagaria’s Kunal Kumar, son of Aman Nishad. The unidentified pair adds to the sorrow, as families of the known victims lament in inconsolable grief.
This devastating event highlights systemic road safety flaws in Bihar. Over-speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate signage plague such routes. Officials promise thorough inquiries and enhanced patrols, but only time will tell if real change follows this loss of innocent lives.