12 Pilgrims Killed in UP Expressway Crash

A tragic accident occurred on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the loss of 12 lives. The victims, who included six men, three women, and three children, were pilgrims returning to Badaun from Bagad Dham, a prominent pilgrimage center in Rajasthan.

The accident happened around 1 am between Basi and Bada Gaon in the Khekra police station area, approximately 15 km from the district headquarters. According to eyewitnesses, a speeding truck struck the pickup van carrying 32 pilgrims from behind, causing it to crash into the divider and overturn in the middle of the expressway.

The impact of the collision was severe, with bodies thrown and scattered up to nearly 30 meters from the spot. Local residents rushed to the site after hearing the sound of the crash and helped pull the injured passengers to safety before the police arrived. The injured were then taken to the district hospital for treatment.

One of the injured passengers, Kunwar Pal, stated that the group belonged to Allapur Chamari village in Badaun and had been returning after visiting Bagad Dham. He said that they were sleeping in the vehicle when the accident occurred, and the driver later told them that a vehicle approaching from behind had hit the pickup.

The accident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the large number of passengers traveling in the pickup and the speed of the vehicles involved. The police are currently investigating the exact cause of the crash.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the administration to provide financial assistance to the families of the victims. The families of those killed will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal and Superintendent of Police Suraj Rai visited the district hospital and met with the injured, directing health officials to ensure proper treatment. The families of the deceased and injured have been informed about the accident via telephone.

Bagad Dham, also known as Gogamedi, is an important pilgrimage center in north India, associated with Jaharveer Baba Goga Ji Maharaj. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine, particularly during the months of August and September.

The accident is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution while traveling. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and the authorities are working to provide support to the families of the victims.

In the aftermath of the accident, the authorities are also reviewing the safety measures in place on the expressway to prevent such incidents in the future. The accident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the people are mourning the loss of lives.

The incident highlights the need for increased awareness about road safety and the importance of following traffic rules to prevent such accidents. The authorities are working to ensure that the victims' families receive the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time.

The accident is a somber reminder of the risks associated with traveling on Indian roads and the need for vigilance and caution while driving. The investigation into the accident will help to determine the cause of the crash and identify measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the accident on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Baghpat is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution while traveling. The authorities are working to provide support to the families of the victims and to prevent such incidents in the future.