KANPUR: As many as 19 people died and 30 suffered injuries, when a truck collided with two tractor-trolleys in Etah district on Saturday. Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of those killed.
Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Surendra Kumar Verma said that the accident occurred around 10.45 am near Harchandpur village on National Highway-91 in Malawan. The victims were going in tractor-trolleys to Chachaina canal for 'kalash visarjan' ceremony after attending Bhagwat Katha organised in Purawan village.
A speeding truck hit a tractor-trolley near Harchandpur village on Mainpuri Road. Due to the impact of the collision, the damaged trolley climbed on the other trolley going ahead. The victims got trapped under the tractor-trolleys. The 11 women and eight children died in the accident, the SSP said.
The injured were rushed to the hospitals in Etah, Agra and Aligarh. The condition of four injured people was stated to be critical.
The driver of the truck has been arrested. A case has been registered against him.
Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered injuries.
The CM has also directed the officials to provide free treatment to the injured people.
Irate residents assembled at the spot and staged protest and blocked the road at Harchandpur area. They started throwing stones on the passing vehicles. It resulted in traffic jam on the highway.
