At least 10 people lost their lives, and 19 others sustained injuries in a tragic accident on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway in Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred around midnight on Friday when a car carrying Maha Kumbh devotees from Chhattisgarh collided with a bus.
According to DCP Yamunanagar Vivek Chandra Yadav, the bodies have been sent to Swaroop Rani Nehru Medical Hospital for post-mortem, and further investigations are ongoing.
The fatal crash happened near the Meja police station in Prayagraj around 2 AM. A Bolero car, transporting devotees from Chhattisgarh’s Korba, collided head-on with a bus. Reports indicate that the bus was carrying pilgrims from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, on their way to the Kumbh Mela. Authorities are looking into the cause of the accident, and rescue efforts were swiftly carried out to assist the injured.
Maha Kumbh Prayagraj Road Accident
A tragic accident on the Mirzapur-Prayagraj highway in Uttar Pradesh claimed the lives of 10 Maha Kumbh devotees from Chhattisgarh, while 19 others were injured. The incident took place around midnight when a Bolero car carrying pilgrims collided with a bus, police confirmed.
The deceased devotees were from Chhattisgarh’s Korba district and were traveling to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Sangam. The bus involved in the accident was carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh.
Prayagraj Additional SP Vivek Chandra Yadav stated that the bodies have been sent to Swaroop Rani Nehru Medical Hospital for post-mortem, and an investigation is underway.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and directed officials to expedite rescue efforts and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: Officials Aim for Flawless ‘Amrit Snan’ on February 3
Past Accidents Involving Maha Kumbh Pilgrims
Tragic accidents involving Maha Kumbh devotees have occurred in recent days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. Many devotees travel long distances to take a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj, but road accidents have taken a toll on several lives.
1. Andhra Pradesh Pilgrims Killed in Jabalpur (February 13, 2025)
On Tuesday, seven devotees from Andhra Pradesh lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the Maha Kumbh. Their tempo traveller collided with a truck on a highway in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district. Several others were injured in the accident, and authorities rushed them to a nearby hospital for treatment.
2. Agra Couple Dies in a Car Accident (February 12, 2025)
On Monday, a married couple from Agra lost their lives when their car collided with a truck while returning from the Kumbh Mela. Four other passengers in the car suffered serious injuries. Police took immediate action by seizing the truck and detaining the driver, according to Station House Officer Rudra Pratap Singh.
3. Odisha Pilgrim Dies in Sonbhadra Crash (February 12, 2025)
On the same day, a tragic accident occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district. A man from Rourkela, Odisha, died after the car he was traveling in collided with a bus. Six other passengers in the car suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
About Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela, known as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, began on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025. The final day coincides with Maha Shivaratri, an important Hindu festival.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, by 6 PM on Friday, over 92 lakh devotees had taken a dip at the holy Sangam. The total footfall of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh has already crossed 50 crore, making it one of the most attended religious events in history.
Authorities continue to advise pilgrims to travel safely and follow traffic guidelines to avoid further accidents.
Also Read: Cylinder Blast in Prayagraj, 18 Tents Destroyed
FAQs
Q.1. What caused the Prayagraj road accident involving Maha Kumbh devotees?
Ans. The accident occurred when a Bolero car carrying devotees from Chhattisgarh collided with a bus transporting pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway.
Q.2. How many people were affected by the Prayagraj accident?
Ans. At least 10 people lost their lives, and 19 others sustained injuries in the tragic road accident near Prayagraj.
Q.3. What actions have been taken after the Prayagraj accident?
Ans. The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated an investigation, sent the bodies for post-mortem, and ensured medical treatment for the injured.
Q.4. Have there been other Maha Kumbh-related accidents recently?
Ans. Yes, similar accidents have occurred, including a crash in Jabalpur killing seven devotees and incidents in Agra and Sonbhadra leading to more fatalities.
Q.5. When does Maha Kumbh 2025 end?
Ans. Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri.