Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, calling it “extremely painful.” The accident, which occurred on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, involved a double-decker sleeper bus and a milk tanker, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 19 others.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences on Wednesday, stating that the news of the accident was “extremely sad” and offered her prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. She conveyed her deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiments of grief and offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the accident. He expressed hope that God would give them strength to bear this sorrow.
The accident occurred when the double-decker sleeper bus, traveling from Motihari, Bihar, to Delhi, collided with the milk tanker from behind near Gadha Village in the Behtamujawar Police Station area. Upon receiving the information, police led by Circle Officer of Bangarmau, Arvind Chaurasia, rushed to the spot and began rescue operations.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his condolences, stating that the news of the accident was “extremely sad.” He offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He appealed to the INDIA party workers to provide all possible help to the victims.
Unnao District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi confirmed that the accident occurred around 5:15 AM when the private bus collided with the milk tanker. Initial investigations suggest that the bus may have been overspeeding.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak stated that all hospitals near Unnao have been put on alert, including the trauma center at KGMO. He assured that the Bihar government was in contact with the UP government regarding the incident and that the priority was to provide proper treatment to the injured.