As many as 10 pilgrims lost their lives, while 35 others sustained serious injuries after a bus going to Bihar rammed into a truck in Burdwan of West Bengal, news agency PTI reported.

The accident occurred in the Nala ferry Ghar area along the National Highway 19 on Friday morning. The bus involved in the accident was carrying 45 pilgrims from the Chiraisa Saraswati Ghat area under Matia police station in Bihar, and was en route from Gangasagar towards Durgapu. 

According to police, the bus lost control and rammed into a truck, resulting in a deadly accident and the death of at least 10 people, ETV Bharat reported. 

Those killed in the accident include eight men and two women. Among the injured are six children, who were admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, as per officials. 

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The initial report suggests that the bus driver had fallen asleep, resulting in a collision with a truck. The front portion was severely damaged, leaving passengers stranded inside the bus.

Bengal Bus Accident: Bihar Government Announces Ex-Gratia

Bihar government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the immediate family members of the deceased and 50 thousand rupees for those sustained injuries in the accident. 

A stated released by Bihar government said, "The CM has expressed condolences over the casualties in the road accident that took place on the roadside in Burdwan. He is deeply saddened by the deaths of Bihar natives in the incident, and announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the immediate family members of the deceased."