Prayagraj : A tragic accident occurred on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway near the Meja Road crossing in Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, late last night. An SUV carrying passengers collided head-on with a speeding bus, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and leaving 19 others injured.
According to the Police Commissioner of Prayagraj, Tarun Gaba, the group of passengers in the SUV was traveling from Korba, Chhattisgarh, to Prayagraj, while the bus was en route to Varanasi from Prayagraj. The impact of the collision was severe, causing immediate fatalities among the passengers in the SUV. Emergency response teams, including police and medical personnel, arrived swiftly at the scene to provide aid and transport the injured for medical attention.
The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where several remain in critical condition. Local residents and bystanders played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of the crash, helping rescue those trapped in the wreckage. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on highways with heavy vehicular movement during pilgrimage seasons.
President Droupadi Murmu has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. In a social media post, she prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered condolences to the bereaved families and has directed the district administration to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He emphasized the need for stringent traffic regulations and enhanced safety measures on highways to prevent such mishaps in the future.
The devotees involved in the accident were reportedly traveling to Prayagraj for a religious pilgrimage as part of the preparations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. The accident has cast a shadow over the spiritual journey, leaving families devastated and communities mourning their loved ones.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have been caused by high speed and poor visibility during nighttime travel. However, a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact cause of the collision. The police have launched an inquiry to identify the deceased and notify their families. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the safe return of the survivors to their home state.
The incident highlights the importance of road safety awareness, especially during large religious gatherings like the Maha Kumbh, which attract millions of devotees from across the country. Authorities are expected to review traffic management plans to ensure safer travel for pilgrims in the lead-up to the grand event.
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