Seventy people from Odisha were on a pilgrimage to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for the Maha Kumbh Mela, when the bus carrying them was involved in an accident late last night. According to reports, the bus crashed into a stationary truck carrying sand from behind after the driver fell asleep, injuring at least 35 pilgrims.

Around 12:50 a.m., a bus accident happened near Mohania in the Kaimur district of Bihar, which is near the border between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. About 70 pilgrims were traveling by bus from Odisha's Balasore district to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela. Three of the 35 injured were deemed to be in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports, the accident may have been caused by Sriram, the driver, dozing off while operating a motor vehicle. Emergency services and local authorities arrived on the scene quickly. The pilgrims who were hurt were taken right away to local hospitals for medical attention; some of them needed more serious care because of the severity of their wounds.

Raj Kishore Sahu from Naguana, Subas Behera from Kukudia, and Bapi Samal from Phulbani are the three injured. At the Varanasi Government Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, they are presently receiving treatment. The Sub-divisional hospital is currently treating additional injured patients.

Safety Measures for Pilgrims During Kumbh Mela

In light of the recent accidents, authorities have emphasized the importance of safety measures for pilgrims traveling to the Kumbh Mela. The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a comprehensive safety plan, including increased police presence, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced medical facilities along major routes to Prayagraj.

Additionally, the government has issued guidelines for bus operators and drivers, mandating regular rest breaks and vehicle inspections. A centralized control room has been set up to monitor pilgrim movement and respond to emergencies promptly. The use of technology, such as GPS tracking of vehicles and real-time traffic updates, is being employed to ensure safer journeys for pilgrims.

Impact on Odisha Pilgrims and State Response

The accident has raised concerns among Odisha's pilgrims planning to attend the Kumbh Mela. In response, the Odisha government has announced measures to ensure the safety of its residents traveling to Prayagraj. These include setting up helpline numbers, deploying liaison officers in Uttar Pradesh, and coordinating with transport authorities to ensure proper vehicle maintenance and driver training. The state government is also considering organizing special trains for pilgrims to reduce reliance on long-distance bus travel.