In a devastating road accident in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district, 18 Kanwariyas — devotees of Lord Shiva — lost their lives when the bus they were travelling in collided with a speeding truck early Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred near the Devipur area, close to the pilgrimage route to Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas for Shaivites.
📍 Key Details of the Deoghar Accident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Devipur, Deoghar, Jharkhand |
| 🕒 Time | Early hours, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
| 🚍 Victims | 18 Kanwariyas confirmed dead |
| 🚑 Injured | Several critically injured; under treatment |
| 🧭 Destination | En route to Baba Baidyanath Dham |
| 🕯️ Rescue Ops | Police, NDRF teams on site |
🙏 Who Are the Kanwariyas?
Kanwariyas are saffron-clad devotees who participate in the Kanwar Yatra, walking hundreds of kilometres to fetch holy water from the Ganga and offer it to Shiva lingas, especially during Shravan month. Deoghar is a major pilgrimage destination during this time.
🚑 Government Response
Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed deep grief and announced:
₹2 lakh ex gratia for families of deceased
Free treatment for the injured
High-level inquiry into the cause of the crash
“This is an irreparable loss. We stand by the grieving families.” – CM Hemant Soren
🚧 Possible Cause of the Crash
While investigations are still ongoing, initial reports suggest:
Driver fatigue or over-speeding
Poor visibility in early morning hours
Lack of traffic regulation despite high Yatra season
Authorities have seized both vehicles and are questioning the truck driver.
🧠 Road Safety and Pilgrimage Protocols Under Scrutiny
This tragedy has once again raised questions about:
Overloaded vehicles during religious yatras
Inadequate highway patrolling during peak pilgrimage times
Lack of basic safety regulations for devotees
Pilgrim movements like the Kanwar Yatra see millions on roads, and this incident stresses the need for improved coordination between local authorities, transport, and religious organizers.
❓ FAQs
Q. What is the Kanwar Yatra?
A religious pilgrimage where devotees carry Ganga water to Shiva temples during Shravan month.
Q. Where were the Kanwariyas headed?
They were on their way to Baba Baidyanath Dham, a major pilgrimage site in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
Q. Has any compensation been announced?
Yes, ₹2 lakh ex gratia for each deceased and free treatment for the injured.
Q. What caused the accident?
Preliminary reports cite overspeeding and possible driver negligence; a formal probe is underway.
Published on : 29th July
Published by : SMITA
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