Kolkata, 16 August (H.S.) — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the death of 11 pilgrims from Bihar in a horrific bus accident in Purba Bardhaman district and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The state government will provide ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, ₹1 lakh to the seriously injured, and ₹50,000 to those with minor injuries.

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. on Thursday near Nawabhat Fagupur on National Highway 19 when a passenger bus traveling from Tarakeswar to Asansol rammed into a stationary truck. The impact crushed the front portion of the bus completely. The vehicle was carrying around 60 passengers — all residents of Bihar returning home after a religious pilgrimage. At least 35 people were injured, and officials fear the death toll could rise.

Local residents initiated rescue efforts immediately, pulling victims out of the wreckage. However, they expressed anger over what they alleged was a delayed response by police and ambulance services, leading to temporary tension at the site.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus driver may have lost control of the vehicle. Locals, however, blamed the administration for allowing trucks to park on the main carriageway despite the presence of a service lane, alleging lax enforcement of traffic regulations.

The collision caused heavy traffic disruption on NH-19, forcing police to deploy additional personnel to clear congestion and ensure timely evacuation of the injured to nearby hospitals.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh