13 Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision in Katihar, Bihar; PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex Gratia

A multi-vehicle collision in Katihar district, Bihar, left 13 dead and 30 injured. Officials report ongoing police investigations and announced ex gratia payments by PMNRF to families and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Rescue and medical aid are under way, with relief funds coordinated by state authorities.

India

-Swastika Sruti

Updated: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 23:21 [IST]

At least 13 people were killed and 30 injured when a bus, truck and pickup van crashed on NH-31 in Bihar’s Katihar district on the evening of 11 April 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar later announced ex gratia assistance for families of the dead and injured.

The collision occurred around 6:30 pm near Kodha block on the busy national highway, Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary told reporters, citing initial reports. According to local police, those travelling in the pickup van were returning from neighbouring Purnea district when the three vehicles collided.

Multi-vehicle collision in Bihar: Katihar accident details

A statement from the district police said all 30 injured people were taken to the nearest government hospital in Purnea for treatment. Officials are working to confirm the identities of the 13 deceased victims, the statement added, as teams coordinate with families and authorities across Katihar and nearby areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a message of condolence, describing the crash as a major loss. “The mishap in Katihar, Bihar, is extremely painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM…”

Multi-vehicle collision in Bihar: rescue, investigation, ex gratia

A local police official told PTI that an investigation is under way to understand how the multi-vehicle collision in Bihar unfolded. The official said officers suspect the bus driver, who is among the injured, may have lost control, which then led to the crash involving the truck and the pickup van.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the Katihar accident and separately announced financial aid. “The chief minister… announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased from the CM’s relief fund. He also announced Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the accident,” an official release said.