Patna: At least five people were killed and several others injured after a bus ploughed into a crowd attending a cultural programme in Bihar’s West Champaran district late on Friday night, police said on Saturday.
The accident occurred at around 10.45 pm on Friday along Lauriya Marg in Parau Tola, under the jurisdiction of Lauriya police station.
According to Narkatiyaganj Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ajay Prakash Singh, the bus was travelling along the road when the driver reportedly tried to avert a head-on collision with a truck.
Bus crashes into roadside crowd
While attempting to avoid the collision, the bus allegedly veered towards the roadside and ploughed into people who had gathered to attend a cultural programme.
The impact resulted in the deaths of five men and left several others injured.
“The bus ploughed into a crowd attending a cultural event on the roadside, killing five men and injuring several others,” SDPO Ajay Prakash Singh told PTI.
The incident took place while the cultural programme was underway, with a large number of people gathered along the roadside.
The sudden crash caused panic among those attending the event. According to police, the accident also resulted in a stampede-like situation as people attempted to move away from the area.
Emergency response efforts were subsequently initiated, with the injured being taken for medical treatment.
Victims sent for post-mortem
Police confirmed that five people died in the accident.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination as part of the investigation and formal procedures.
Authorities are also working to establish the identities of the deceased and ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the bus entering the crowd.
The number of injured people was not immediately specified by the police, although several people were reportedly hurt in the incident.
Officials are expected to gather further information from witnesses and those who were present at the cultural programme.
Bus and truck seized
Following the accident, police seized both the bus and the truck involved in the incident.
However, the drivers of both vehicles reportedly fled from the spot amid the confusion and chaos that followed the crash.
Police have launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend the two drivers.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicles as part of the probe and determine whether mechanical failure, driver error, road conditions or other factors contributed to the accident.
The police will also examine the circumstances surrounding the reported attempt by the bus driver to avoid the head-on collision with the truck.
Investigation underway
The incident has raised concerns about road safety, particularly at locations where large public gatherings take place close to busy roads.
The cultural programme had attracted a crowd along the roadside, and the bus entered the gathering while attempting to avoid a collision.
Police are investigating the sequence of events leading up to the crash and are expected to question eyewitnesses and other people present at the scene.
The stampede-like situation following the collision may also form part of the investigation as authorities assess the full impact of the incident.
The seizure of both vehicles is expected to help investigators establish their condition and reconstruct the circumstances of the crash.
Search launched for drivers
With both drivers reportedly fleeing the scene, police have launched a search to locate them.
Their statements could be important to establishing how the collision occurred and why the bus moved towards the gathering.
Authorities will also determine whether any violations of road safety regulations or other offences were involved.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to provide further details about the victims, the injured and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragedy has left five people dead and several others injured, turning a cultural gathering in West Champaran into a scene of panic and mourning.