11 killed, 36 injured in bus crash in Bengal

BURDWAN/MOTIHARI: Eleven people from Bihar's East Champaran district - 10 pilgrims and the bus driver - were killed and 36 others injured Friday when their bus ploughed into a trailer truck on NH-19 near Fagupur crossing in Bengal's East Burdwan district.

The group was returning from Gangasagar Island when the bus struck the rear of a truck that had broken down in the middle of the highway around 7am. The impact was so forceful that several passengers were thrown out of windows and the truck was pushed nearly 10 feet, survivors said.

FIR against truck driver for illegal parking on NH
Locals rushed to crash site and helped police pull victims from the wreckage. Thirty-six passengers, including six children, were rushed to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, where several remain critical condition. "Of 26 injured people, six children are receiving treatment," said passenger Santosh Sah.

Police registered an FIR against the truck driver for being illegally parked on the highway. The truck driver fled. Both vehicles have been seized. All 11 bodies underwent autopsies. Ten identified bodies were handed over Saturday, with 11 ambulances arranged to transport them to East Champaran. Relatives and officials from Bihar rushed to Bengal to assist.

East Burdwan administration announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for each bereaved family. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expressed grief, announced identical aid and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured, and directed officials to coordinate with Bengal.