Seven persons, including three women, were killed and 22 others sustained severe injuries when a tractor trolley carrying 30 devotees plunged into a deep gorge. It was rammed by a bus on the Dehradun-Saharanpur highway.
Dehradun SP Dilip Singh Kunwar told The Pioneer that the accident took place near Naurangpur village, under Biharigarh Police Station in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Police have seized the bus and taken the driver — Netrapal, a resident of Machhehati in Saharanpur — into custody.
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna expressed grief at the deaths and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi too expressed his condolences.
Among the deceased are Bharato (55), Sunny (15), Sangam (15), Shivani (15), Dharam Singh (60), Kavita (14) and one other, according to the police. Clementown Inspector MP Saini was the first to reach the spot, along with his team, after receiving information about the incident.
Saini said around 30 devotees, all residents of Naurangpur village, were returning home after offering prayers at Dat Kali Temple. A bus of Uttar Pradesh Transport (UP-11-P-2588) hit the tractor trolley from behind while trying to overtake it.
The trolley plunged into the gorge and turned turtle, killing three persons on the spot and injuring 22 others. Police personnel rescued the injured and rushed them to hospital, where four others succumbed to injuries. Nine others are in critical condition.
The wards witnessed heart-rending scenes as some children are among the injured.
Dehradun District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam visited the hospital and directed doctors to ensure proper treatment. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs5,000 each to the injured. The Red Cross Society will provide this sum. He also announced that treatment would be provided free of cost.
Saharanpur District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police also visited the spot, where an eerie silence has descended after the tragedy.