The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024 – A Complete List

The year 2024 has been a tragic chapter in our road safety record, witnessing some of the worst bus accidents in India. From treacherous hilly terrain to urban highways, there have been fatal bus accidents almost every day in India.

Throughout the year, bus accidents in India claimed numerous lives, underscoring the dire need for stricter safety measures and better infrastructure.

In this listicle, we highlight the 10 worst bus accidents in India in 2024.

List of the Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024

Here’s the table based on the provided information:

10. July 22: 9 Dead as BEST E-Bus Rampages in Kurla

In one of Mumbai’s most devastating bus accidents, a BEST electric bus lost control and caused chaos in Ambedkar Nagar, Kurla West. The out-of-control bus sped uncontrollably for over 100 meters, colliding with multiple vehicles, including rickshaws and police vans, while also striking pedestrians.

The Kurla bus accident led to eight deaths and left 49 people injured, with many in critical condition.

9. May 18: Bus Fire Claims 9 Lives in Haryana’s Nuh

Tragedy struck on the morning of May 18 when a bus traveling from Vrindavan caught fire on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway near Nuh, Haryana. Nine passengers lost their lives, and several others were injured in the devastating incident.

The bus was transporting approximately 60 passengers, mostly relatives from Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana in Punjab, who were on their way back from a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan. 

8. October 19: 12 Killed in Bus-Taxi Collision in Rajasthan

In a tragic incident on October 19, twelve people lost their lives when a sleeper bus collided with a tempo in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district. The accident took place around 11 PM near Sunipur, as the bus was en route from Dholpur to Jaipur.

Among the victims were three women, the tempo driver, and several children.

7. October 29: Overspeeding Bus Claims 13 Lives in Rajasthan

Thirteen people lost their lives, and about 30 others were injured when a private bus crashed into a flyover’s wing wall in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.

The bus, which was traveling from Salasar to Laxmangarh, reportedly lost control while making a turn in Laxmangarh due to excessive speed and overloading.

Authorities stated that the driver’s inability to manage the speeding bus, packed with passengers, led to the fatal accident.

6. January 3: Bus-Truck Collision in Assam’s Dergaon Claims 15 Lives

15 passengers died and 27 others received grave injuries after a bus carrying 45 people collided with a truck in Assam’s Dergaon.

The accident took place in the wee hours of the morning when the bus, carrying 45 passengers, collided head-on with a coal-laden truck. The bus was on the way to Tinsukia’s Tilinga Mandir.

Superintendent of Police Nipun Agarwal stated that the bus attempted to overtake the van, causing the van to overturn, which ultimately led to the fatal crash.

4. July 10: Bus Slams into Milk Tanker in Unnao Killing 18

One of the worst bus accidents in India in 2024 took place on July 10, when a bus a sleeper bus collided with a milk tanker on the Lucknow-Agra expressway.

The bus, which was en route from Sitamarhi in Bihar to Delhi, crashed into the milk tanker from behind at approximately 5:15 AM.

The Unnao bus accident resulted in 18 fatalities and gravely injured 19 others. Among the deceased were three women and a child, according to police reports.

3. May 30: 22 Killed as Bus Plunges into Gorge in Jammu’s Akhnoor

22 pilgrims died and 45 others were injured when their bus plunged into a deep gorge in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district on the Jammu-Poonch national highway. The fatalities included three children and nine women.

The accident happened at around 12:35 PM when the driver of the bus failed to negotiate a sharp curve. The incident occurred at Tungi Morh, approximately 12 kilometers from Akhnoor on the highway.

2. November 4: Bus Plunges into Ditch in Uttarakhand Killing 38

A tragic accident in Uttarakhand claimed the lives of at least 38 people when an overcrowded bus plunged into a 50m-deep ditch in Almora’s Marchula.

The bus, traveling from Garhwal in the Himalayan region to Ramnagar, was carrying about 60 passengers, far exceeding its capacity of 42.

1. August 23: Nepal Bus Tragedy Claims 41 Lives

The worst bus accident in India in 2024, the Nepal bus tragedy took place on August 23 in the Tanahun district of Nepal.

A bus carrying 43 passengers, skidded off the road and fell into the Marsyangdi River at Ainapahara killing 41 and critically injuring 2 others.

While the accident happened in Nepal, it was carrying Indian tourists with the majority of the passengers hailing from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra. The bus was en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the time of the incident.

Lessons from the Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024

This list of the worst bus accidents in India in 2024 reveals critical shortcomings in India’s road safety ecosystem. Recurring factors like driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate road infrastructure, and harsh weather conditions demand immediate attention. Addressing these issues is vital to prevent further loss of life.

Key Reforms to Prevent Future Accidents

1. Driver Training Programs

Nationwide initiatives focusing on safe driving practices can reduce human error. Comprehensive training programs should include hazard recognition and fatigue management.

2. Mandatory Vehicle Inspections

Periodic checks for all commercial vehicles must be enforced to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards.

3. Infrastructure Improvements

Upgrading roads with better lighting, protective barriers, and clear signage is essential, especially in hilly and accident-prone areas.

4. Technology Integration

Equipping public transport vehicles with GPS monitoring, speed governors, and fatigue detection systems can significantly enhance safety.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Dedicated rapid-response units equipped with modern rescue tools can ensure timely assistance during accidents.

As is evident, road safety in India is heavily compromised. The worst bus accidents in India in 2024 summarise the horror that poor regulation can cause. On average, there has been more than 1 deadly bus accident in India every day.