A tourist bus carrying a group of pilgrims from Kerala suffered a serious crash in Bihar’s Buxar district early Monday morning. Shortly after passing the Veer Kunwar Singh Ganga Bridge, the bus struck a lorry that was stationary on the roadside, resulting in injuries to 23 passengers.

Route from Gaya to Ayodhya

The convoy consisted of 27 devotees who had gathered in Gaya to perform the traditional pind daan rites. After completing the ceremony, the bus set off from Gaya around 10 p.m. on Sunday, bound for the sacred city of Ayodhya. At approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, the vehicle crossed the Veer Kunwar Singh Ganga Bridge before the collision occurred.

How the Collision Unfolded

Eyewitnesses reported that most passengers were asleep when the bus abruptly rammed into a lorry parked on the shoulder. The sudden impact threw occupants from their seats and triggered panic inside the vehicle.

Local residents and officers from the Industrial Police Station rushed to the scene. With their help, rescuers extricated the injured and transferred them to Buxar Sadar Hospital.

Injuries and Medical Response

Twenty‑three people, including driver Ramesh Swami, sustained injuries; the driver incurred the most serious wounds. Four passengers continue to receive treatment at the hospital, while the others were given initial care and later discharged.

The following travelers were reported hurt:

  • K. Venu Rao
  • K. Rajeshwari Rao
  • K. Narayan Rao
  • K. Swami Rao
  • K. Vijaya Rao
  • K. Sampath Rao
  • P. Ilaiah
  • G. Ram Reddy
  • G. Raju Reddy
  • K. Sampath
  • V. Sarvaiya
  • B. Ilaiah
  • V. Rama Rao
  • T. Ehesia
  • P. Venkata Rao
  • T. Sampath Rao
  • T. Narasimha Rao
  • G. Rajeshwari Rao

Medical officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life‑threatening. Several passengers were released and continued their pilgrimage by boarding a train at Buxar railway station.

First‑hand Accounts

One injured pilgrim, K. Swami, described being jolted awake by a deafening crash that threw him against the seat ahead. Another traveler, Ram Rao, speculated that driver fatigue might have played a role, although police have not verified this claim.

Police Investigation

Industrial Police Station SHO Sonu Kumar said officers reached the site promptly after receiving a distress call. Investigators are examining all factors, including possible driver drowsiness, to determine the exact cause of the accident.

After receiving medical clearance, the remaining pilgrims were discharged and proceeded to Buxar railway station to resume their journey by train.