Three Nellore Pilgrims Killed, 20 Injured in Bihar Highway Crash

A pilgrimage to some of India's most revered spiritual destinations ended in tragedy after a tourist bus carrying devotees from Nellore district met with a fatal road accident in Bihar's Aurangabad district , leaving three people dead and around 20 others injured . The accident occurred late Sunday night on National Highway-19 near the Bhawani Hotel area under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil Police Station. The bus, carrying nearly 40 pilgrims, was travelling from Bodh Gaya to Kashi (Varanasi) when it rammed into a truck-trailer moving ahead of it.

According to officials, the collision occurred when the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle. The impact was severe, killing three passengers on the spot and injuring several others. Authorities initially reported that seven to eight passengers were in critical condition. The deceased were identified as residents of Sangam mandal in Nellore district. Officials said the bus had departed from Nellore on June 1 as part of a religious tour.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. The state government also announced ₹2 lakh compensation for seriously injured passengers and ₹1 lakh assistance for those who suffered minor injuries. During a review meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister directed authorities to coordinate closely with the Bihar government and ensure that all necessary support, including medical care and logistical assistance, reaches the victims. He also instructed officials to make arrangements for the safe return of pilgrims who escaped the accident unharmed. According to officials, the condition of the injured passengers currently undergoing treatment remains stable.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a deeply tragic event. He noted that two of the deceased were from Sangam mandal, while another victim was a woman from Atmakur . Extending his sympathies to the bereaved families, Jagan wished a speedy recovery for the injured and urged authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for them. He also called on the government to provide comprehensive support to all affected families.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and personally spoke to the victims' family members to offer condolences and reassurance. She reviewed the health condition of those receiving treatment in Bihar hospitals and said the Andhra Pradesh government was working closely with local authorities to ensure quality medical care for the injured. Reiterating the state's commitment to supporting the victims, she assured families that the government would stand by them throughout the crisis and provide all necessary assistance until every affected pilgrim safely returns home.