Date:07/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/07/stories/2008080759821100.htm

National

Tragedy strikes pilgrims

Staff Reporter

CHANDITALA (HOOGHLY DisT.): Thirteen pilgrims were killed when the bus in which they had been travelling ran over them after it was hit by a lorry from behind, on the Kona Expressway at Chanditala on Wednesday. Eleven people were injured.

The pilgrims hailing from Rohtas and Kaimur (Bhabhua) districts in Bihar were on their way to the Kalighat Temple here from Vasukidham. “Around 2 a.m., the engine developed a snag and because it was too stuffy inside, many from the group were sleeping on the road, in front of the bus, while it was being repaired,” said Bimalesh Kumar, a passenger.

A sand-laden truck lost control and hit the bus from behind, making it roll over those sleeping on the road. Both the truck and the lorry plunged into a 20-foot-deep ditch by the side of the road.

The bus was carrying 45 pilgrims. “None of those inside the bus was seriously injured,” said D.P. Tarania, Inspector-General (Traffic). He said the injured were rushed to hospitals.