8 Dead, Two Injured in Tragic Road Accident in Katihar, Bihar

Katihar, Bihar May 6, 2025: A devastating road accident in Bihar’s Katihar district has claimed the lives of eight people, with two others seriously injured, after a Scorpio vehicle carrying wedding guests collided with a tractor late Monday night.

The tragic incident occurred near Chandpur Hanuman Mandir on State Highway 77 in the Pothia police station area, sending shockwaves through the local community and families of the victims.

The Accident: A Wedding Journey Turns Tragic

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports, the Scorpio was en route to a wedding in Koshkipur, near Kursela, from Dhibra Bazaar Barhara Kothi in Purnia district, when it lost control near a pile of maize placed along the roadside.

As the driver attempted to navigate the obstruction, the vehicle reportedly became unstable and crashed head-on into a stationary tractor loaded with maize. The impact was so severe that eight occupants died on the spot, while the remaining two sustained critical injuries.

There were 10 people in the vehicle, all reportedly part of a wedding procession heading to the groom’s location.

Immediate Response from Authorities and Locals

Upon receiving information, local police rushed to the site and began rescue operations with the help of local residents. The injured were transported to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sameli, where they received emergency care before being referred to a higher facility due to the serious nature of their injuries.

Dr. Mukesh, posted at the Sameli CHC, confirmed the casualties and the critical condition of the two injured men, identified as:

• Uday Kumar (25), son of Ravindra Mandal

• Abhishek Kumar (26), son of Sikalal Mandal

Their families have been informed, and arrangements are being made for advanced medical treatment.

Investigation and Official Confirmation

Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP) Vaibhav Sharma confirmed the fatal collision, stating that the accident involved a Scorpio and a tractor near Sameli under Pothia police limits. He noted that police teams are on-site and have been deployed to secure the accident scene, assist with victim identification, and coordinate medical logistics.

Meanwhile, SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer) Dharamendra Kumar affirmed that investigations are underway, and additional officers have been stationed at both the accident site and the hospital to support ongoing inquiries and maintain order.

DIG Pramod Kumar Mandal also acknowledged the tragedy and stated that detailed information about the victims is being collected, with some discrepancies in casualty figures during early reports being clarified.

District Mourning and Safety Concerns

This incident has sparked grief and concern across the region, especially considering the high number of casualties in a single-family unit. Local residents have urged authorities to investigate why large agricultural loads like maize are being stored along highways, creating potential road hazards.

The accident has also reignited demands for better traffic regulation, improved highway lighting, and stricter enforcement against roadside encroachments, particularly on State and National Highways in Bihar.

Background and Context

Bihar has witnessed a concerning rise in road accidents, often attributed to poor road infrastructure, overloaded vehicles, reckless driving, and inadequate traffic signage. In rural districts like Katihar, the mixing of agricultural and commercial transport on public highways frequently leads to dangerous driving conditions.

According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 12,000 road fatalities occur annually in Bihar, many involving two-wheelers, unregulated tractors, and passenger vehicles on poorly maintained roads.

Community Reaction and Government Response

The families of the deceased, as well as local community leaders, are demanding compensation for the victims’ next of kin and a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The district administration is expected to announce ex-gratia compensation soon, in accordance with state disaster relief policies.

Meanwhile, authorities are also exploring whether the tractor was legally parked and if traffic protocols were followed, particularly given the presence of an obstructive maize pile that may have contributed to the loss of control.

Funeral arrangements are currently underway in the victims’ native villages, with support being provided by local panchayat leaders and district officials.

Victims’ Identities and Next Steps

While full identification is still in process, initial efforts are focused on notifying the families and ensuring timely medical care for the survivors. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations, and forensic teams are assisting in accident reconstruction and cause analysis.

The State Police have promised a transparent and expedited investigation, and further details, including compensation packages, are expected to be released following an official report.

Conclusion: A Stark Reminder of Road Safety Imperatives

The Katihar road accident is a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter highway safety regulations, especially during wedding and festival seasons when vehicular travel increases dramatically in rural India.

As families mourn the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their loved ones, the incident serves as a call to action for government bodies, law enforcement, and local communities to work collectively toward safer roads, better vehicle regulation, and public awareness.