In a devastating accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, a truck collided with a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims, resulting in eight fatalities and 43 injuries, police reported to PTI. The incident occurred late Sunday night on the Bulandshahr-Meerut highway near the Niwaru turn in the Salempur area, as the pilgrims were returning from a religious visit to Haridwar.
According to Superintendent of Police (City) Manish Mishra, the tractor-trolley, loaded with approximately 50 passengers, was struck by a speeding truck around 11:30 p.m. The impact caused severe damage, leading to the immediate deaths of eight individuals, including five men, two women, and a child. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, with 10 in critical condition receiving treatment at a medical facility in Meerut.
Authorities have seized the truck involved in the crash, though the driver fled the scene and remains at large, Mishra told PTI. A police investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision, with preliminary reports suggesting the truck’s high speed as a contributing factor. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and efforts to locate the driver are ongoing.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences via a post on X, describing the incident as “extremely sad and heart-wrenching.” He directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and expedite relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sympathies on X, announcing financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The tragedy has prompted local authorities to enhance monitoring of the accident site, with rescue operations concluding late Sunday. The police continue to investigate, aiming to prevent similar incidents on this busy highway stretch, as reported by PTI.
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