Kolkata: At least 10 pilgrims from Bihar were killed after their bus collided with a stationary truck on National Highway 19 in the East Burdwan district of West Bengal on Friday morning.
The police said that 35 people were injured in the accident. Many of them are serious and the death toll can rise, an official said.
The bus was on its way from Gangasagar in the southernmost tip of West Bengal to Bihar. There were 45 pilgrims in the bus. They were from the Chiraisa Saraswa Ghat area of Matia Police Station.
“The accident took place on Friday morning in the Nala Ferry Ghat area of National Highway No 19 in East Burdwan,” said an official.
Initial police reports suggest that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the bus to lose control and collide with the back of a parked truck.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise and rushed to the scene to assist the victims. The police arrived shortly after, and rescue efforts are underway.
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said they are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
