Bus-tanker collision in Unnao kills 18, injures 19 people.
In a tragic accident near Jojikot village in the Bangarmau area of Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, a double-decker bus collided with a tanker, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuring 19 others. The collision occurred in the morning, causing significant damage to both vehicles. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene to provide aid and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The incident has shocked the local community, and efforts are being made to support the affected families.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a double-decker sleeper bus collided with a milk tanker on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the deaths of eighteen people and injuring nineteen others. The accident occurred around 5 am near Jojikot village in the Behta Mujhawar police station area. According to District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi, preliminary investigations suggest that the bus, which was en route to Delhi from Motihari in Bihar, was speeding and struck the milk tanker from behind.
The collision was severe enough to cause both vehicles to overturn, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow, S B Shiradkar, reported that among the deceased were fourteen men, three women, and one child. The drivers of both the bus and the tanker were also among those who lost their lives in the crash.
Bangarmau Circle Officer (CO) Arvind Kumar noted the devastating impact of the collision, emphasizing the immediate and forceful nature of the crash that led to the overturning of both vehicles. Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals where their condition is reported to be stable.
Authorities are in the process of identifying the victims, which is a challenging task given the extent of the damage. The district administration is actively involved in providing necessary support and aid to the affected families.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, terming the loss of lives as extremely sad and heartbreaking. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. In his message, he assured that the district administration officials have been instructed to expedite the relief work and ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and for the souls of the departed to find peace.
The incident has sparked a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances leading to the collision. Authorities are examining various factors, including the possibility of speeding and any potential lapses in road safety protocols. This probe aims to uncover the details that led to such a catastrophic event and to implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This tragic accident on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations in the region. The expressway, while a critical infrastructure project intended to facilitate faster travel between major cities, has also witnessed several accidents over the years. The authorities’ immediate focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, but there will undoubtedly be discussions about improving safety measures on such major roadways.
The response from the local community has been one of shock and mourning. Many have come forward to offer support to the affected families, and local leaders are emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure road safety. The tragic event has also drawn attention to the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for swift medical response capabilities in such situations.
As the investigation continues, the priority for the administration is to provide relief and support to the victims’ families and to the injured. The community’s resilience and the efforts of the emergency services are vital in the aftermath of such a devastating incident. The hope is that through thorough investigation and subsequent policy measures, similar tragedies can be averted in the future.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the impact of traffic regulations on preventing such catastrophic events. As the community grieves, there is also a collective resolve to push for better safety standards and to hold those accountable whose negligence might have contributed to this tragedy. The coming days will be crucial for the affected families and the authorities as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.