Lucknow, May 15 – A series of tragic road accidents across Uttar Pradesh has claimed at least 19 lives, including those of women and children, and left several others injured. The major incidents occurred in Lucknow, Hardoi, and Balrampur districts, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue directives for expedited relief and medical support.
Fatal Bus Fire in Lucknow
In a horrifying early morning incident on the outskirts of Lucknow, five people, including two children, died when a private bus caught fire on Kisan Path near Mohanlalganj. The bus, en route from Begusarai (Bihar) to Delhi with nearly 80 passengers on board, is believed to have caught fire due to a gearbox short circuit around 5 a.m., according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Verma.The deceased were identified as Lakkhi Devi (55), Soni Mahto (26), Devraj (3), Sakshi (2), and Madhusudan (21). Several passengers sustained burn injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Preliminary investigations suggest the emergency exit malfunctioned, trapping people in the rear section of the vehicle. Chief Minister Adityanath expressed deep sorrow and instructed officials to ensure immediate and proper medical care for the injured.
Autorickshaw Collision in Hardoi
Later in the morning, six people lost their lives when an autorickshaw collided with a dumper truck near Hardaul Mau village in Hardoi district. The accident occurred around 9:45 a.m. as the auto traveled from Bangarmau to Sandila with nine passengers.The victims included Ranjit Rathore (25), Ankit Kumar (20), Arvind (20), Phool Jahan (24), Nisar (40), and Bitana (25). Three others — Siraj (26), Ayaz (2), and Jugnu (7) — suffered serious injuries. The injured were initially treated at Sandila Community Health Centre and later referred to Lucknow, where Ayaz’s condition remains critical. Hardoi SP Neeraj Kumar Jadaun confirmed a manhunt for the absconding dumper driver and said legal proceedings are underway.
Family Killed in Balrampur Truck Collision
In another major accident, five members of a family returning from a wedding were killed when a truck hit their car on the Balrampur-Tulsipur National Highway late Wednesday night near Chakwa village. Eight others were seriously injured and taken to the District Memorial Hospital.District Magistrate Pawan Agarwal and SP Vikas Kumar visited the hospital and assured the victims' families of all possible support and care. The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Accidents in Sonbhadra and Amethi
In Sonbhadra district, a speeding truck hit a motorcycle near the DM office on Varanasi-Shaktinagar road, killing Amrit Oraon (62) and his wife Mantorni Devi (57) on the spot. Their son, Dharmendra Kumar, was seriously injured and is being treated at the district hospital. The truck driver has been arrested.Meanwhile, in Amethi’s Musafirkhana area, a 70-year-old man, Om Prakash Agrahari, died after a speeding car rammed into the e-rickshaw he was travelling in near Kanakoopur village. The car has been seized, though the driver is yet to be apprehended.
Statewide Emergency Measures
The spate of deadly accidents has raised serious concerns about road safety in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed district authorities to prioritize emergency response, ensure treatment for the injured, and take stringent action against negligent drivers.Investigations are ongoing across all incidents as officials work to provide support to the victims and their families.
