Tragic Highway Crash in Kanpur: Pilgrim Bus Rams Trailer on Sarai Meeta Overbridge, Driver Killed
Dozens of pilgrims from Maharashtra injured as bus traveling from Nashik to Ayodhya and Nepal crashes after trailer brakes suddenly.
Kanpur: A tragic road accident occurred early Tuesday morning on the Sarai Meeta Overbridge in Kanpur when a bus carrying pilgrims lost control and rammed into a trailer. The crash resulted in the death of the bus driver, while 30 to 40 passengers were seriously injured.
According to officials from Panki Police Station, the bus was carrying 57 pilgrims, all residents of Maharashtra. The group was on a religious journey from Nashik to Ayodhya and then onward to Nepal.
Bus Crashes into Trailer
The accident took place while the bus was crossing the Sarai Meeta Overbridge. Police said a trailer moving ahead of the bus suddenly applied brakes, causing the speeding bus to lose control and crash directly into the rear of the trailer.
The impact was extremely powerful, leaving the front portion of the bus completely damaged. The bus driver died instantly at the scene. Officials stated that the driver attempted to avoid the collision, but the sudden braking and high speed made it impossible to control the vehicle.
Several passengers were seriously injured in the crash, and some became trapped inside the damaged bus.
Rescue Operation by Police and Locals
Soon after receiving information about the accident, the Uttar Pradesh Police and local residents rushed to the spot. With the help of locals, police personnel carried out a rescue operation and pulled the injured passengers out of the bus.
The victims were immediately taken to a nearby Community Health Centre (CHC) for initial treatment. After first aid, doctors referred the seriously injured passengers to Hallet Hospital for advanced medical care. According to doctors, three of the injured passengers are in critical condition.
Panki Police Station in-charge Manoj Bhadouria said that the body of the deceased bus driver has been sent for post-mortem examination, and an investigation into the accident has been launched.
Pilgrims from Maharashtra
Authorities confirmed that all passengers on the bus were pilgrims from Maharashtra. They had started their journey from Nashik, visited Ayodhya for religious rituals, and were planning to continue their trip to Nepal.
However, the accident turned their spiritual journey into a tragedy. Family members of the injured pilgrims have been informed and asked to reach the hospital.
Administration and Police Response
Police and local authorities quickly took control of the situation and ensured that the injured were shifted safely to hospitals. Efforts were also made to restore traffic movement on the overbridge, which was disrupted after the crash.
Officials said a detailed investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
Meanwhile, photos and videos of the accident site quickly spread on social media, raising concerns about road safety and reckless driving on highways.
The incident once again highlights the urgent need for better traffic management, stricter monitoring of heavy vehicles, and greater driver vigilance, especially on highways and overbridges where high-speed traffic can quickly turn fatal.
