Lucknow: At least 11 people were killed and four others injured after their SUV fell into a canal in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning. The occupants of the vehicle were on their way to the Prithvinath Temple in Kharagpur.
According to officials, there were 15 passengers in the Bolero when it plunged into the Saryu Canal. It was raining at that time. The water level in the canal was high and the vehicle capsized. The victim’s were from Sihagaon in the Motiganj police station area, officials have confirmed.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the accident and offered condolences to the bereaved families, his office said in a statement. The CM also directed officials to reach the spot and speed up relief operations. He also directed the officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, the CMO statement added.
The CM has also announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed in the tragedy.
“Upon receiving information, local villagers and the police initiated a rescue operation. Four people, including the driver, were rescued alive. 11 bodies have been retrieved by the police. The four people who are alive have been sent to Community Health Centre. The bodies will be sent to the district hospital for post mortem. The CMO has directed all official to reach the spot and carry out rescue and relief operations and proper medical treatment to the injured. A compensation has also been announced,” Vineet Jaiswal, SP, Gonda, said.
People have, meanwhile, raised questions on the lack of traffic management in the state. Many have asked why 15 people were being allowed to travel in a vehicle that can accommodate a maximum of 10, including the driver.
Overloaded vehicles are at a greater risk of mechanical failure, leading to such accidents, people have pointed out. The exact cause of the accident will only be known after the vehicle is retrieved and inspected by a team of experts.