Katihar: At least 13 people were killed and around 30 others injured in a major road accident involving a bus, a truck, and a pickup van on Saturday evening in Bihar’s Katihar district, police said. The collision occurred around 6:30 pm on NH-31 in the Kodha block.
According to Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary, the impact was severe, with the pickup van bearing the brunt of the crash. Initial reports suggest the bus driver may have lost control of the vehicle, triggering the collision. The driver is also among the injured.
Officials said passengers in the pickup van were returning from neighbouring Purnea district. The injured have been shifted to a government hospital in Purnea, while efforts are underway to identify the deceased.
Authorities stated that the death toll rose from seven to 13 as six injured succumbed during treatment. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured.
