13 killed in accident in Jharkhand

JAMSHEDPUR: Thirteen pilgrims, including six women, were today killed and 11 others injured when a pick-up van carrying them collided with a speeding truck on the NH-33 near here.

The incident occurred when the pick-up van in which the pilgrims were returning home from Puri collided with a speeding truck near Chowka, about 40 km from Jamshedpur, in Seraikela-Kharswan district early this morning, Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahatha said.

All the victims were residents of Andra Bazar of Siwan in Bihar, Mahatha said. Eleven persons were killed on the spot, while two succumbed to their injuries on way to hospital.

All the injured persons were admitted to the MGM hospital here. The victims were on a pilgrimage to Puri and returning home when the accident took place, he said.