10 devotees die in car-bus collision en route to Maha Kumbh.
Ten devotees traveling to Maha Kumbh lost their lives in a tragic accident when their car collided with a bus in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. The incident occurred on a busy highway, causing a major disruption in traffic. Authorities rushed to the scene to provide emergency assistance, but the impact was severe, leaving no survivors in the car. Local police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Eyewitnesses reported that the car was attempting to overtake when it lost control and crashed into the bus. Officials have urged travelers to exercise caution, especially with increasing pilgrim traffic ahead of the Maha Kumbh celebrations.
Ten devotees traveling to Maha Kumbh were killed after a devastating collision between a car and a bus in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Nineteen people sustained injuries in the accident, which occurred in the Meja area on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway when a Bolero car carrying the devotees crashed into a bus.
The devotees, hailing from Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, were journeying to take a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The Bolero, packed with passengers, collided head-on with a bus that was en route from Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district. The impact of the crash was severe, leading to instant fatalities and multiple injuries.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the site to provide immediate medical assistance. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where doctors are working tirelessly to stabilize their condition. Local authorities, including police personnel and highway patrol units, have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the collision may have been due to overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He directed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of road safety, especially during large-scale religious events such as Maha Kumbh, which attract millions of pilgrims from across the country.
The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. The festival sees an influx of devotees who arrive in Prayagraj to take a dip in the holy waters, seeking spiritual purification and divine blessings. The sheer volume of pilgrims traveling to the event significantly increases road traffic, making highway safety a pressing concern.
This accident is the latest in a series of unfortunate mishaps during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Earlier this week, another tragedy struck when seven pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries, after a mini-bus returning from the Maha Kumbh collided with a truck in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district. The recurring accidents have raised alarms about the need for stringent road safety measures, especially for religious travelers.
Eyewitnesses at the Prayagraj accident site described harrowing scenes of devastation. Local residents and passersby joined rescue teams in pulling victims from the wreckage before ambulances arrived. Many of the injured were in critical condition and required immediate medical intervention.
Traffic authorities have been urged to increase highway surveillance and deploy additional personnel to manage the overwhelming influx of vehicles heading toward Maha Kumbh. Officials are also exploring measures such as designated pilgrim transport routes, speed restrictions, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to mitigate road hazards.
Family members of the deceased are grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones. Community leaders in Korba, Chhattisgarh, have called for better safety arrangements for pilgrims traveling long distances. Meanwhile, authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are coordinating efforts to support the affected families and facilitate the transportation of bodies back to their hometowns for final rites.
The significance of Maha Kumbh transcends religious boundaries, drawing millions of people from different walks of life. However, the rising number of road accidents during this period underscores the urgent need for enhanced infrastructural support, better traffic management, and improved medical emergency response units to ensure the safety of all devotees.
As authorities work to address these challenges, safety remains a major concern for the ongoing pilgrimage. The government has assured that necessary measures will be taken to prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, road safety experts continue to stress the importance of caution, urging both drivers and passengers to adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize responsible travel practices.
The coming weeks of Maha Kumbh will likely see an even higher surge in pilgrim footfall, necessitating heightened vigilance on the part of law enforcement agencies, transport departments, and religious organizations. The unfortunate fatalities in Prayagraj serve as a somber reminder of the perils of unregulated traffic movement during mass gatherings.
While the spirit of devotion and faith remains unshaken among the pilgrims, the need for comprehensive safety protocols has never been more pressing. Authorities are now working on immediate solutions, such as increased highway patrol, improved signage, and dedicated medical assistance booths along key routes leading to Maha Kumbh. These steps are critical to ensuring that the remainder of the festival proceeds without further loss of life.
The tragic events in Prayagraj and Jabalpur highlight a crucial aspect of pilgrimage planning—preventing road accidents. As pilgrims continue their sacred journeys, the combined efforts of government agencies, religious organizations, and local communities will play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling Maha Kumbh experience for all.