At least 18 people were killed and 19 others injured after a double-decker bus rammed into a milk container on Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Wednesday. The bus was on its way from Sitamarhi in Bihar to Delhi when it rammed into the milk container in Unnao district under the limits of Behtamujawar police station.
The police and district administration immediately reached the spot upon receiving information about the accident and launched rescue and relief work.
According to Unnao District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi, the accident took place at around 5:15 am and initial investigation revealed that the bus was overspeeding.
"Today at around 05.15 AM, a private bus coming from Motihari, Bihar collided with a milk tanker. 18 people have lost their lives and 19 others are injured in the accident. After the initial investigation, it looks like the bus was overspeeding. The injured are getting treatment...," Rathi said while speaking to journalists.
The exact cause of accident is yet to be ascertained but eyewitnesses and the passengers said that the bus, carrying approximately 50 passengers, was overspeeding.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adtiyanath expressed his grief over the loss of lives and said that officials have been sent on ground and relief operations are underway.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that about 20 people are safe and being sent to Delhi. Six people have been referred to Trauma Centre and the rest will be treated at District Hospital. " We have adequate arrangements for treatment and we will take all necessary action as soon as possible...," he said.