Patna, June 8 (IANS) A devastating road accident claimed the lives of three pilgrims and left more than 20 others injured after a tourist bus carrying devotees from Andhra Pradesh rammed into a truck on the Grand Trunk Road (NH-19) in Bihar’s Aurangabad district.

The accident occurred late Sunday night near Bhawani Hotel, between Bhediya and Dev Mor, under the jurisdiction of the Aurangabad Mufassil police station.

The impact of the collision was so severe that one side of the bus was completely ripped apart.

According to police and local sources, around 40 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh were travelling from Bodh Gaya to Varanasi after offering prayers.

Preliminary reports suggest that the bus driver was attempting to overtake a truck moving ahead when the vehicle collided with it.

The deceased have been identified as 50-year-old Hazratayya, 43-year-old Padmavati, and 64-year-old Pashuleti Venkatesh, all residents of Sangama village in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district.

Doctors at Aurangabad Sadar Hospital declared all three dead upon arrival.

More than 20 passengers sustained injuries in the accident.

Among the injured are Subhanamma, Narendra Reddy, and Prasad, while seven to eight passengers are reported to be in critical condition.

After receiving initial treatment at Sadar Hospital, the seriously injured were referred to Magadh Medical College and Hospital in Gaya for advanced medical care.

Local residents and passersby rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the loud crash and began rescue operations before police arrived.

Personnel from the Aurangabad Mufassil police station, assisted by local volunteers and District Council member Anil Yadav, helped evacuate trapped passengers from the damaged bus.

The accident temporarily disrupted traffic movement on NH-19, although normal vehicular movement was later restored after the wreckage was cleared.

Aurangabad Mufassil Station House Officer Ashok Kumar said that both the bus and the truck have been seized, and an investigation has been launched.

Police are examining all possible factors, including the speed of the bus, the driver’s actions, and whether the accident occurred during an overtaking attempt.

“The incident is tragic. The matter is being investigated. The families of the passengers have been informed. Further action is being taken,” said Ashok Kumar, SHO, Aurangabad Mufassil Police Station.

The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, and the victims’ families have been informed. Further legal proceedings are underway.

–IANS

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