A tragic accident in Bihar&rsquo;s Bhagalpur district claimed the lives of five young Kanwariyas late Sunday night when a DJ-fitted pickup van carrying nine pilgrims lost control and fell into a deep water-filled pit. Four others were injured, three of whom remain in critical condition.
The incident occurred around midnight as the group was en route from Sultanganj to Jayesthgaur Nath temple. According to eyewitness accounts, the van came into contact with an overhead electric wire, causing the driver to lose control. Moments later, the vehicle veered off-road and plunged into a roadside pit filled with water.
The deceased were identified as:
Santosh Kumar (18)
Manoj Kumar (24)
Vikram Kumar (23)
Ankush Kumar (18)
Ravish Kumar alias Munna (18)
Five other Kanwariyas reportedly managed to jump out of the van, but four sustained injuries, three of them critically.
Local police and emergency responders arrived at the scene soon after being alerted. The injured were rushed to Shahkund Community Health Centre, where doctors declared five dead on arrival. Treatment is ongoing for the remaining injured.
This fatal crash adds to the growing list of recent accidents involving Kanwariyas during the ongoing Shravan pilgrimage. On July 29, a separate tragedy in Jharkhand&rsquo;s Deoghar saw nine Kanwariyas die and 21 others injured after a bus collided with a gas cylinder-laden truck.
Authorities have since issued appeals urging devotees to prioritize safety during the pilgrimage, particularly while using vehicles for travel.

5 Kanwariyas Killed After DJ Van Crashes in Bhagal

Uncontrolled vehicle hits wire, plunges into water pit; 4 injured, 3 in critical condition

5 Kanwariyas Killed After DJ Van Crashes in Bhagal

Uncontrolled vehicle hits wire, plunges into water pit; 4 injured, 3 in critical condition

August 4, 2025 | 11:06 IST