Let's talk: editor@tmv.in
6 died, over 80 injured as bus carrying wedding party overturns in Jharkhand’s Latehar

6 died, over 80 injured as bus carrying wedding party overturns in Jharkhand’s Latehar

Yellarthi Chennabasava
January 19, 2026

At least six people, including four women, were killed and more than 80 others injured after a bus carrying wedding guests overturned in Jharkhand’s Latehar district on Sunday, police said.

The accident occurred at Orsa Bangladara valley under Mahuadanr police station limits. The bus was travelling from Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh to Mahuadanr for a wedding.

“Five passengers died on the spot, including four women. One more succumbed during treatment at Mahuadanr community health centre,” Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav said.

Approximately 90 passengers were on board, said the bus driver, Vikas Pathak. “The brakes failed. Despite using the handbrake and switching off the engine, I could not regain control, and the bus eventually overturned,” he added.

Local authorities immediately mobilised emergency services. 60 injured were admitted to Mahuadanr community health centre and over 20 to private hospitals . 32 seriously injured passengers were referred to RIMS Ranchi for advanced care. Ambulances and health teams from nearby areas were dispatched to stabilise and transport the injured, while local villagers assisted in moving victims to hospitals.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the Latehar deputy commissioner to ensure adequate medical facilities for all injured. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vipin Kumar Dubey said authorities are coordinating treatment and support for the victims’ families.

Bus safety in Jharkhand has been a longstanding concern, with past incidents highlighting issues such as overspeeding, mechanical failures, and insufficient enforcement of safety standards. Authorities have been conducting vehicle inspections and pushing compliance with mandatory safety regulations, but accidents remain frequent.

Police have launched a probe into the incident to determine whether mechanical failure or negligence contributed to the crash.This tragic incident underscores persistent challenges in bus safety and emergency response in the region, prompting renewed calls for stricter compliance and better preventive measures.