A tourist coach carrying a group of pilgrims from Kerala met with a serious mishap in Bihar’s Buxar district early Monday morning. Shortly after crossing the Veer Kunwar Singh Ganga Bridge, the bus hit a lorry that was parked on the roadside, leaving twenty‑three people wounded.

From Gaya to Ayodhya: The Pilgrimage Route

The convoy consisted of 27 devotees who had gathered in Gaya to perform the traditional pind daan rites. After completing the ceremony, the coach departed Gaya around 10 p.m. on Sunday, bound for the holy city of Ayodhya. At approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, the vehicle rolled over the Veer Kunwar Singh Ganga Bridge when the collision occurred.

How the Accident Unfolded

Eyewitnesses say most passengers were asleep when the bus suddenly rammed into a lorry that was stationary on the shoulder. The abrupt impact jolted travelers from their seats and caused panic inside the cabin.

Local residents and officers from the Industrial Police Station arrived swiftly, helping rescue the injured and transport them to Buxar Sadar Hospital.

Injuries and Medical Care

All twenty‑three injured persons, including driver Ramesh Swami, received medical attention. The driver sustained the most severe injuries. Four pilgrims continue to receive treatment at the hospital, while the others were given initial care and later discharged.

The following passengers were listed among the 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, and several pilgrims were released to continue their journey by train from Buxar railway station.

First‑Hand Accounts

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

Police Probe

Industrial Police Station SHO Sonu Kumar said the police reached the scene promptly after receiving the emergency call. Investigators are examining factors such as possible driver drowsiness and the exact circumstances that led to the lorry‑bus collision.

After receiving treatment, the remaining pilgrims were discharged and proceeded to Buxar railway station to resume their pilgrimage by train.