A horrific accident on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, has left 18 people dead and 19 others injured. The incident, which occurred early on Wednesday morning, involved a double-decker bus travelling from Sitamarhi in Bihar to Delhi colliding with a milk tanker.
The Collision and Aftermath
According to reports, the double-decker bus, carrying primarily migrant workers returning home or seeking work in other cities, was attempting to overtake the milk tanker on the expressway. However, the maneuver proved to be fatal. The bus driver might have misjudged the speed or distance of the tanker, or lost control of the vehicle while trying to pass. Whatever the reason, the bus collided with the side of the tanker at high speed. The force of the impact was tremendous, causing the bus to spin out of control and overturn onto its side. The scene of the accident was a horrific tableau of twisted metal, shattered glass, and personal belongings scattered across the highway. Many passengers were ejected from the bus due to the impact, further compounding the severity of the injuries.
Upon receiving information about the accident, emergency services rushed to the scene. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the deceased were transported for identification. The police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with initial reports suggesting speeding or reckless driving on the part of the bus driver as a possible factor.
Outpouring of Grief and Support
The news of the accident has been met with an outpouring of grief and support from across the country. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged all possible support from the state government. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care and that the families of the deceased are adequately compensated. The local administration in Unnao is working tirelessly to identify the victims and establish contact with their next of kin. Many social service organizations have also come forward to offer assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
As investigations progress, it is crucial to determine the cause of this accident and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in the future. This might involve improving specific aspects of the expressway’s infrastructure, such as signage, guardrails, or median barriers. Additionally, implementing stricter driver training programs and enforcing speed limits more rigorously on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway could significantly reduce the risk of similar accidents.
