Three Nepali pilgrims, including a child, were killed and more than 45 others injured when a bus carrying pilgrims from Rautahat collided with a truck in India’s Jharkhand state on Friday, officials said.

The pilgrims were returning after visiting the Baba Baidyanath and Basukinath temples in Jharkhand when the bus collided with the truck. Around 50 people, including bus staff, were travelling on the vehicle, and most were injured.

Ram Babu Chaudhary, ward chairman of Garuda Municipality-6 in Rautahat, said two local residents, Nawal Chaudhary and his wife, were among those killed. Shivam Mahato, the 14-year-old son of resident Rajesh Mahato, was also killed.

“They left for the pilgrimage on Wednesday. We are still trying to get more details about those involved in the accident,” Chaudhary said. “Forty-seven people from our village had gone on the pilgrimage.”

According to Indian media outlet Loktantra-19, the accident occurred near Pokhardiha Mod in Koderma district as the pilgrims were returning towards Rajgir after visiting and worshipping at Baidyanath Dham and Basukinath.

The report said three Nepali pilgrims were killed in the crash. Police from the Sadgawan police station reached the scene soon after the accident, and most of the injured were taken to a hospital in Sadgawan, according to local police. Some of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.

Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, chief district officer of Rautahat, said Nepali authorities had been informed about the crash.

“We are also seeking information through Indian security officials,” Bhusal said. “We have already informed the authorities concerned.”