At least 11 people lost their lives in a major road accident in Mirzapur, highlighting the dangers of high-speed travel on hilly stretches. The incident occurred in the Dramandganj area of Uttar Pradesh and involved multiple vehicles, leading to a devastating chain collision.
Chain collision triggered by truck
The accident occurred when a truck reportedly lost control while descending a slope. Preliminary findings suggest that a brake failure may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, NDTV reported.
The truck rammed into another vehicle ahead, triggering a series of collisions. In the chaos, a car was trapped between two trucks, suffering severe damage. Another vehicle was also hit during the sequence, further worsening the situation at the site.
The crash took place on a downhill stretch between the Dramandganj valley and the Lasoda area, which is known for its challenging terrain. The speed and impact of the collision left little chance for those caught in the middle.
Vehicles damaged, fire adds to chaos
The situation became more critical when one of the vehicles involved caught fire after the collision. The blaze added to the destruction and made rescue efforts more difficult.
According to the NDTV report, local residents were among the first to respond, helping those trapped inside damaged vehicles before emergency teams arrived. Police and fire brigade personnel reached the spot soon after being alerted and began rescue and recovery operations.
Authorities worked through the night to clear the wreckage and restore traffic movement on the affected route.
Casualties and identification efforts
âSo far, 11 deaths have been reported, and efforts are underway to establish the identities of the victims,â a police official said as quoted by NDTV.
Several others were injured in the accident and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials are continuing efforts to identify all the victims and inform their families.
PM Modi expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident. In a message posted on X, he said the tragedy was âextremely painfulâ and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
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He also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. An ex gratia of âč2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive âč50,000.
Investigation underway
Per NDTV, officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. While initial reports point towards brake failure in one of the trucks, authorities are examining all possible factors, including vehicle condition and road safety measures.
Police personnel remain deployed at the site as part of the ongoing inquiry. Efforts are also being made to ensure smoother traffic movement and prevent further incidents in the area.
The accident has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with heavy vehicles on steep and narrow roads, especially in regions with difficult terrain.
