At least 13 people were killed and 30 others injured in a collision involving a bus, a truck, and a pickup van in Bihar's Katihar district on Saturday evening. The accident occurred at 6:30 p.m. on NH-31 in Kodha block. Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary told reporters.
The collision occurred at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday on NH-31 in Kodha block of Katihar district, involving a bus, a truck, and a pickup van. A local police official said those in the pickup van were coming from the neighbouring Purnea district.
Initial reports said seven people died, but six of the injured succumbed during treatment, bringing the toll to 13 killed and 30 injured. All injured have been taken to the nearest government hospital in Purnea district, according to a district police statement. Officials are ascertaining the identities of the deceased.
Police said the cause of the accident is under investigation, with initial suspicion that the bus driver, who is among the injured, lost control of the vehicle. The incident falls under Korha Police Station jurisdiction, where local authorities and police launched immediate rescue operations.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths and announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased from the CM's relief fund, and ₹50,000 each to the injured. He also directed officials to ensure better treatment for the injured, an official release said.