President Murmu Sends Condolences After Katihar Tragedy
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Patna, April 12 (NationPress) In a tragic incident on Saturday evening in Bihar's Katihar district, a road collision resulted in the loss of 10 lives and left 25 others injured. President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this calamity.
In a statement shared on her official X account, the President remarked, “The reports of fatalities in the road accident in Katihar, Bihar, are profoundly sorrowful. I extend my sympathies to the grieving families and hope for the swift recovery of all those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow and condolences regarding the incident.
“The accident in Katihar, Bihar, is incredibly distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I wish for the quick recovery of the injured. An ex gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be allocated to the next of kin of each deceased individual, while the injured will receive Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi stated in a written note.
Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, expressed his profound sadness towards the affected families, labeling the event as exceptionally tragic.
He declared that Rs. 2 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to each bereaved family, in addition to Rs. 50,000 for each injured individual.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive timely and proper medical treatment and wished them a prompt recovery.
The accident took place near Basgada Chowk, under the jurisdiction of Korha Police Station, on National Highway 31, where a bus and a pickup vehicle collided head-on, resulting in significant casualties.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, allegedly traveling at high speed, collided forcefully with the pickup van.
The collision was so severe that both vehicles were left in ruins.
Local residents and police worked together to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities, including Katihar Sadar Hospital.
Hospital staff have been placed on high alert, and treatment is being prioritized.
Several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the number of fatalities could increase.
This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow of grief over the region, once again underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to avert such tragedies.