Lucknow: Two passengers were killed and nine others sustained injuries after a Uttar Pradesh Roadways bus collided with a stationary trailer truck on the Lucknow-Gorakhpur National Highway under the Raunahi police station area in Ayodhya on Wednesday. The incident triggered panic and chaos at the accident site.
Details of the Accident
According to police officials, the bus belonging to Rapti Nagar Depot (registration number UP-78-LT-1376) was travelling from Lucknow to Gorakhpur when the accident took place near Zuberganj market on the highway. Preliminary findings suggest that the speeding bus crashed into a trailer parked along the roadside.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the front portion of the bus completely mangled. Several passengers were thrown from their seats due to the force of the crash, resulting in injuries and widespread panic inside the vehicle. Screams and cries for help were heard immediately after the collision.
Rescue Operation
Upon receiving information, Raunahi police personnel rushed to the spot and, with assistance from local residents, launched a rescue operation. Passengers trapped inside the damaged bus were pulled out and shifted to nearby hospitals through ambulances. Police said two passengers died on the spot in the accident.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Sabir (54), a resident of Parewatar in Kushinagar district, and Suresh Kumar (43), a resident of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow. Among the injured passengers, eight were discharged after receiving first aid, while one critically injured passenger continues to undergo treatment.
Possible Causes
Initial investigations indicate that excessive speed and the trailer parked along the roadside may have contributed to the accident. Police have sent the bodies of the deceased for post-mortem examination and launched a search for the trailer driver.
Traffic Disruption
The accident also disrupted traffic movement on the highway for some time before police officials restored normal vehicular movement. Station House Officer Lalchand Saroj said no formal complaint had been received so far. He added that further legal action would be initiated after receiving a complaint.
Chief Minister's Response
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh took immediate cognisance of the Ayodhya road accident and expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. The Chief Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to immediately reach the accident site and expedite relief and rescue operations. The CM also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and directed officials to remain in touch with the families of the deceased and extend all possible assistance.
