On the night of February 14, 2025, a tragic road accident on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway claimed the lives of 10 Maha Kumbh pilgrims and left 19 others injured. The accident occurred when a Bolero car carrying devotees from Chhattisgarh collided with a bus near the Meja police station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The victims were en route to the holy city of Prayagraj for a ritual bath at the Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. The incident has sparked widespread grief, with leaders from various states offering condolences and the authorities rushing to provide aid to the victims.
Details of the Accident
The Collision and Its Aftermath
The accident took place around 2:00 AM on the night of February 14, 2025, when the Bolero, carrying a group of pilgrims from Korba in Chhattisgarh, collided with a bus that was also carrying pilgrims from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Initial reports suggest that the driver of the Bolero fell asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into the bus.
The collision resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 10 confirmed fatalities and 19 others suffering various degrees of injury. The victims were on their way to participate in the Maha Kumbh, a significant religious gathering that attracts millions of devotees from across India.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
In response to the tragedy, local authorities swiftly mobilized rescue operations. The bodies of the deceased were transported to the Swaroop Rani Nehru Medical Hospital in Prayagraj for post-mortem examinations. Meanwhile, the injured were provided medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, directing officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure that the injured receive the necessary medical care. He also instructed the authorities to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic accident.
Condolences from Leaders
President Droupadi Murmu’s Message
Indian President Droupadi Murmu shared her condolences through a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her sadness over the loss of lives in the accident. She conveyed her heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.
Chhattisgarh CM’s Response
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed his grief, offering condolences to the families of the victims from Korba, Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the tragic nature of the incident, where pilgrims who had journeyed to Prayagraj for the spiritual event met with such a devastating fate. The state administration has been instructed to coordinate with the local authorities in Uttar Pradesh to assist the affected families.
Previous Incidents During the Kumbh Mela
This fatal accident is not an isolated event, as other similar incidents have occurred in the past weeks, involving pilgrims traveling to and from the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Jabalpur Incident
Earlier in the week, another tragic accident occurred in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district, where seven people lost their lives when their mini-bus collided with a truck. The truck was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the highway, causing a fatal crash. The victims were returning from Prayagraj after attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Bihar Collision
Similarly, in Bihar’s Kaimur district, another road accident claimed the lives of three individuals who were also returning from the Kumbh Mela. The collision occurred when a truck collided with an auto, underlining the ongoing risks associated with the high volume of traffic around the event.
Investigations and Ongoing Developments
The Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway collision is still under investigation. Authorities are examining the cause of the crash, with a focus on the driver’s alleged fatigue. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of the Bolero may have dozed off, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent fatal collision.
In addition to the investigation, Uttar Pradesh officials have been working to improve road safety measures along major routes leading to the Kumbh Mela, given the large influx of pilgrims and the heightened risk of accidents during the event.
Conclusion
The tragic accident on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by pilgrims traveling long distances for religious events. As the authorities continue to provide medical aid and support to the victims’ families, the incident has prompted calls for increased safety measures to protect travelers during high-traffic events like the Maha Kumbh Mela. With ongoing investigations into the causes of the crash, there is hope that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Image source
Image posted on X by @Syed_1109084
