Nashik Pilgrimage Bus Crash Claims One Life, Leaves 45 Injured in Kanpur
A devastating road accident on the Etawah highway in Kanpur has resulted in the death of a 60-year-old woman and injuries to 45 other passengers. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning when an Ayodhya-bound tourist bus carrying 57 pilgrims from Nashik, Maharashtra, collided with a stationary truck that had broken down on the highway.
Details of the Tragic Accident
According to Kanpur police officials, the tourist bus was traveling from Nashik when it rammed into the parked truck. The impact caused extensive damage to the front portion of the bus and triggered a chain reaction involving two containers and another truck, though fortunately no additional injuries were reported from these subsequent collisions.
Deputy Commissioner of Kanpur Police S M Qasim stated, "The tourist bus rammed the truck that had broken down and was parked along the highway. We suspect that the bus driver might have dozed off, but further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident."
Passenger Details and Medical Response
The bus was carrying 57 passengers, including 31 women and 14 men, all from various locations in Nashik district. The pilgrims hailed from Ojhar and Pimpalgaon in Niphad taluka, as well as from Malegaon taluka, and had embarked on their religious tour on Thursday.
Emergency medical officer Dr. Ashish Sahu confirmed that the 60-year-old woman, identified as Bhagirathi, had already passed away before reaching the hospital. "Her family has been informed about the tragic loss," Dr. Sahu said. Medical authorities reported that four passengers required surgery, while five others needed orthopedic treatment for their injuries.
Rescue and Coordination Efforts
Local residents immediately rushed to the accident site to provide assistance, helping to shift the injured passengers to a nearby government medical college and hospital. The swift response from the community likely prevented more serious consequences.
Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad, upon learning of the accident, coordinated with officials in Kanpur to ensure proper medical care for all affected passengers. "An additional district collector-level officer has been assigned to oversee the medical care and arrangements for the injured passengers in Kanpur," Prasad confirmed, adding that all injured individuals were receiving appropriate treatment at the government hospital.
Pilgrimage Journey Details
Survivors of the accident revealed that the pilgrimage group had started their journey from Maharashtra on Thursday. They visited Ujjain Mahakal on Friday before continuing their journey after a late-night stop in Bhind. The accident occurred as they were traveling toward their destination of Ayodhya.
The police investigation continues as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances that led to this tragic highway accident that has left one family grieving and dozens of pilgrims recovering from their injuries.
