KKN Gurugram Desk | A devastating road accident occurred late Monday night in Bihar’s Katihar district, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and leaving two others critically injured. The accident took place on State Highway 77 (SH-77) near Chandpur Hanuman Mandir under the jurisdiction of Pothia Police Station.

According to police and eyewitness reports, a Scorpio SUV carrying wedding guests collided head-on with a tractor loaded with maize, leading to one of the deadliest road mishaps in the region in recent months.

What Happened: Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatal Crash

The SUV involved in the accident was carrying ten individuals from Dhibra Bazar in Barhara Kothi block of Purnia district. They were en route to attend a wedding ceremony in Kursela, located in Katihar district.

As the Scorpio approached Chandpur Chowk, eyewitnesses report that the driver noticed a large heap of maize spilled across the road. In an attempt to avoid the obstruction, the vehicle reportedly lost control and veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a tractor coming from the opposite direction.

The impact was so severe that eight people died on the spot, and the remaining two sustained life-threatening injuries.

 Emergency Response and Medical Care

Following the accident, local residents quickly alerted the authorities. Police teams from Pothia and Sameli police stations, along with health department officials, reached the scene to assist victims and manage the situation.

The injured passengers were transported to the Sameli Community Health Centre (CHC). Given the severity of their injuries, both were later referred to a higher medical facility for advanced treatment.

The Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP), Vaibhav Sharma, confirmed the incident and ensured that immediate measures were taken to secure the area and begin a formal investigation.

 List of Deceased: Lives Lost in the Tragic Mishap

Authorities released the names and details of the eight deceased individuals involved in the accident:

1. Rupesh Raj (14) – Son of Chhatish Mandal, Divra Bazar, Diwra Dhani Panchayat

2. Prince Kumar (18) – Son of Prithvi Mandal, Divra Bazar, Diwra Dhani Panchayat

3. Tuntun Kumar (21) – Son of Late Baso Mandal, Divra Bazar

4. Jyotish Kumar (17) – Son of Shankar Mandal, Divra Bazar

5. Siko Kumar (18) – Son of Mantu Mandal, Divra Bazar

6. Ajay Kumar (25) – Son of Karamchand Mandal, Divra Bazar

7. Radha Mandal (26) – Son of Rajo Mandal, Bhanga Hatola, Latarha Panchayat (Vehicle Owner)

8. Dheeraj Poddar (28) – Son of Pawan Poddar, Bhanga Hatola, Latarha Panchayat (Driver)

 Injured Victims Fighting for Their Lives

The two survivors, who are currently undergoing treatment at a referral hospital, have been identified as:

• Uday Kumar (25) – Son of Ravindra Mandal

• Abhishek Kumar (26) – Son of Sikalal Mandal

Doctors have confirmed that both are in critical condition, and their recovery will require intensive medical intervention.

Police Investigation Underway

DIG Pramod Kumar Mandal, in his statement to the press, confirmed that eight individuals had died in the accident. He added that a thorough investigation is in progress to determine the exact cause and responsibility.

SDPO Dharmendra Kumar has deployed a special team to investigate mechanical failure, road conditions, and possible negligence. The tractor involved in the crash has been seized, and an FIR has been lodged against its owner and driver.

Community Reaction and Public Outcry

Following the tragedy, local residents expressed anger and frustration over the poor infrastructure on SH-77. Residents pointed out that the lack of street lighting, absence of road signs, and unregulated movement of heavy vehicles have contributed to numerous accidents in the Chandpur area.

“This is not the first time such a tragic event has occurred here. The authorities only act after lives are lost,” said a local panchayat member.

 Rise in Road Accidents in Katihar and Nearby Districts

According to traffic data and local reports, Katihar and adjoining regions have seen a significant increase in road accidents over the past year. SH-77, in particular, is considered a high-risk zone due to:

• Poorly maintained roads

• Lack of lighting infrastructure

• Frequent obstruction from agricultural goods

• Absence of traffic monitoring units

Road safety experts have repeatedly urged the state government to implement preventive infrastructure measures and real-time traffic surveillance, but little action has been taken.

 Route Map and Traffic Conditions on SH-77

SH-77 connects several key regions in northeastern Bihar and is often used by:

• Commercial tractors carrying farm produce

• Private vehicles commuting between Purnia and Katihar

• Local buses and wedding processions during the marriage season

Despite this high traffic density, there is no permanent traffic control booth, and the road remains dimly lit, especially near religious sites such as Chandpur Hanuman Mandir, which has become an accident-prone location :

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 Legal and Administrative Follow-Up

• FIR lodged against the tractor driver and owner

• Medical autopsy ordered for all eight deceased

• State compensation being discussed for families of victims

• Traffic police report awaited to finalize accident cause

The local administration has also announced a safety review of SH-77, especially areas near marketplaces and religious centers.

 Call for Action: A Wake-Up Call for Bihar’s Road Safety System

This tragic event underlines the urgent need for systematic changes in Bihar’s road safety regulations. Experts have long called for:

• Installation of speed monitoring devices

• Deployment of night patrol traffic teams

• Road signage and lighting upgrades

• Training and licensing checks for tractor and heavy vehicle drivers

Failure to act on these fronts will continue to put lives at risk, especially during high-traffic seasons like weddings and harvest transportation periods.

The Katihar road accident is not just a loss for the families involved, but a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in India’s rural road management system. As the state grieves, it must also take responsibility and respond—not just with compensation, but with preventive infrastructure and strict enforcement.