Gangasagar-bound bus overturns into canal, several pilgrims injured in South 24 Parganas

A bus carrying around 36 pilgrims to Gangasagar overturned into a canal near the Chourangi area of South 24 Parganas on Friday morning, leaving several injured. The accident occurred while the bus was en route from Kachuberia Bus Stand to the Kapil Muni Temple. Locals immediately rushed to rescue the passengers, followed by police and civil defense personnel. The injured were taken to Sagar Rural Hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that 8 to 10 of the injured are from other states.

Officials, including Sundarban Development Minister Bankim Chandra Hazra and Sagar BDO Kanaiya Kumar Rao, visited the accident site to assess the situation. Preliminary reports indicate that the driver may have lost control, but the exact cause is yet to be determined. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus veered off the road before plunging into the canal. Authorities are investigating whether road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or driver error played a role in the crash.

Rescue efforts were carried out by local residents along with police and civil defense teams. Passengers were evacuated from the partially submerged bus before being taken for medical assistance. Officials have urged transport operators to ensure strict safety checks for vehicles carrying pilgrims. The condition of the injured remains under observation, and further updates on their treatment are awaited.