By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh: A devastating road accident in Ghazipur on Friday resulted in the deaths of six devotees returning from the Mahakumbh, while several others sustained injuries. The accident, which occurred on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway near Usmikhala turn, involved a speeding dumper crashing into a pickup truck carrying the pilgrims. The impact of the collision was so severe that bodies were scattered on the road, creating a horrific scene.
According to reports, the deceased include two men and four women, all of whom were residents of Gorakhpur. The injured victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital with the assistance of local residents and police officials. The district administration, including Ghazipur DM Aryaka Akhauri, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure proper medical care for the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Operations
Eyewitnesses described the accident as gruesome, with pieces of bodies strewn across the road. The dumper, reportedly moving at high speed, rammed into the pickup carrying the devotees, leading to the catastrophic impact. Panic and chaos ensued at the accident site, with local residents rushing to help the victims.
The police swiftly took control of the situation, collecting the remains of the deceased and facilitating their transfer for post-mortem procedures. Authorities are currently investigating the accident, speaking to witnesses, and reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities’ Response
Speaking on the tragic incident, a senior police official stated, “This is an unfortunate accident, and we are taking all necessary steps to provide medical aid to the injured and support to the bereaved families. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and efforts are underway to inform the relatives of the deceased.”
The local administration has also assured that strict action will be taken against the dumper driver if found guilty of negligence.
Rising Road Accidents: A Growing Concern
This tragic accident once again highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter traffic regulations. In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a rising number of road accidents, often due to speeding, overloading, and poor road conditions.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to improving road safety measures and has urged motorists to follow traffic guidelines strictly to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.