Tragic Accident in Nalanda: Bus Packed with Laborers Hits High-Tension Wire; Couple Electrocuted to Death, Over 8 Injured
Biharsharif (Nalanda): A horrific and deeply tragic accident has emerged from Bihar's Nalanda district. On Wednesday, a sleeper bus carrying nearly 50 to 60 laborers came into contact with an 11,000-volt high-tension overhead wire near the Shambhu Sharan (Shamvasharan) temple in the Pawapuri police station area. As a massive current surged through the vehicle, a migrant laborer couple was electrocuted to death on the spot, while 8 to 10 other workers sustained severe burn injuries.
Accident Struck Just 2 Kilometers from Home
According to eyewitnesses and local police, all the passengers on the bus were laborers returning to their native village of Ghosrawan (Giriyak) after completing their seasonal work at a brick kiln in Chautarwa village under the Narkatiaganj block of Bettiah. The joy of returning home to their families after several months turned into a nightmare when this horrific mishap occurred on the Pawapuri-Ghosrawan main road, just two kilometers away from their destination.
Bicycle on the Roof Proves Fatal
Reports indicate that the 11,000-volt high-tension power line crossing over the road was sagging dangerously low. The laborers' luggage and a bicycle were loaded onto the roof of the bus. As the vehicle neared the Shambhu Sharan temple, the handlebar of the bicycle caught on the low-hanging high-tension wire. The moment it made contact, a powerful electric current ripped through the entire chassis of the bus.
Screams and Chaos Ensued
The sudden surge of electricity triggered sheer panic and chaos inside the bus. In a desperate bid to save their lives, several passengers jumped out of the moving vehicle, sustaining severe injuries from the fall. Meanwhile, those trapped inside were severely burned by the shock. Showing immense courage, local villagers immediately rushed to the scene, managed to get the power supply cut off, and safely pulled several passengers out of the wreckage.
Couple Dies on the Spot, Leaving Seven Children Orphaned
Rudal Manjhi (50) and his wife Phulo Devi (45), both residents of Ghosrawan village, died on the spot due to the severe electric shock. The tragic demise of the couple has orphaned their seven children (four sons and three daughters), who are now left utterly devastated. A profound sense of grief and mourning has gripped the entire village.
Injured Undergoing Treatment; Public Outrage Peaks
Upon receiving the information, the Pawapuri police rushed to the site to spearhead the rescue operations. All the injured laborers were immediately rushed to the Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences (Pawapuri Medical College) for emergency care, where the condition of a few remains critical. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked fierce anger among local residents, who are blaming the electricity department's sheer negligence for allowing the high-tension wires to sag dangerously low over a busy road.
