29 killed, 18 injured as bus falls into gorge on Yamuna Expressway

Twenty nine people were killed and 18 injured when the bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge on the Yamuna Expressway on Monday (July 8).

According to reports, the driver of the UPSRTC Jan Rath fell asleep at the wheel.

The Expressway connects Noida with Agra. The bus was travelling from Lucknow to Delhi when the accident happened.

“One sleeper coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway,” the Uttar Pradesh Police tweeted.

One Sleeper Coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway. It fell into the side fall about 15 feet deep.

20 passengers rescued so far. Efforts are on for the rest.

IG Agra

— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) July 8, 2019

In a video of rescue operation doing rounds, the people can be seen wading in knee deep water to look for survivors. The injured people have been taken to hospital, said the district magistrate.

While the Uttar Pradesh roadways has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a probe into the accident.

“An inquiry by a committee comprising transport commissioner, divisional commissioner and IG, Agra, has been ordered by CM Adityanath to investigate the incident in 24 hours,” additional chief secretary, information, Awanish Awasthi said.

The committee will report on the cause of the accident and also recommend measures to avoid such incidents in the future, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and said in a tweet, “Pained by the bus accident in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those injured recover fast. The state government and local administration are providing all possible assistance to the affected.”

(With inputs from agencies)