At least 18 Hindu pilgrims died in a road accident in eastern India after their bus collided with a truck carrying cooking gas cylinders.
The crash happened in Deoghar, a holy city in the state of Jharkhand, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
The bus was carrying devotees who had traveled to Deoghar during the sacred month of Shravan, a time when the city receives large numbers of Hindu pilgrims.
According to local reports, the truck was transporting gas cylinders when it collided head-on with the bus. The force of the impact caused severe damage and led to a high death toll.
Authorities, including members of India’s paramilitary forces, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash.
They inspected the wreckage and assisted with rescue efforts. Officials have not confirmed how many people survived, but reports noted the bus had 32 seats.
Local lawmaker Nishikant Dubey shared the news on social media, stating that 18 people had lost their lives.
Dubey is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences, describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren confirmed that medical aid and rescue teams were working to help the injured and support the families of the victims.
Deoghar is home to the famous Baidyanath temple and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in eastern India.
The area becomes particularly crowded during Shravan, increasing traffic risks.
India has long struggled with road safety, with many accidents caused by speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and unsafe driving practices.
Crashes involving long-distance buses and heavy trucks are unfortunately common, especially during busy travel seasons.