Katihar Crash Kills 13, Injures 30
Bus-truck-pickup collision on NH-31; Nitish Kumar announces ex-gratia for victims
- 13 killed, 30 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Bihar
- Accident occurred on NH-31 in Katihar’s Kodha block
- CM Nitish Kumar announces ₹2 lakh compensation for deceased
- Probe underway; bus driver suspected to have lost control
GG News Bureau
Katihar, 12th April: At least 13 people were killed and around 30 others injured in a devastating road accident involving a bus, a truck, and a pickup van in Bihar’s Katihar district on Saturday evening.
According to Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary, the accident took place around 6:30 pm on NH-31 in Kodha block.
Initial reports had put the death toll at seven, but six more victims succumbed to injuries during treatment, taking the toll to 13.
Police said the passengers in the pickup van were travelling from neighbouring Purnea district. All injured persons were rushed to a government hospital in Purnea for treatment.
Preliminary findings suggest that the bus driver—who is also among the injured—may have lost control of the vehicle, leading to the collision. Authorities are investigating the exact sequence of events.
Officials are also working to establish the identities of the deceased.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for victims’ families.
An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh has been announced for the next of kin of each deceased, while ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
