Kannauj road accident: PM Modi expresses grief over deaths

09:45 January 11

UP bus tragedy: Rahul expresses condolences

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed condolences to the families of those killed in a fire that broke out after a bus collided with a truck in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj district.

At least 20 people were feared charred to death in a massive fire that broke out after a private sleeper bus collided with a truck in Chhibramau police station area on Friday, police had said.

"I am saddened by the news of the death of 20 people and injuries to several people in a road accident in Kannauj in which a massive fire broke out after a bus and truck collision," Gandhi tweeted.

"I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery for those injured," the former Congress president said.

09:19 January 11

PM Modi expresses grief over deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the death of passengers in a road accident in Kannauj late on Friday in which as many as 20 people are feared dead.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Modi tweeted, "I am deeply saddened to know about the horrific road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj. Several people have lost their lives in the accident. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured persons."

The accident took place after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj district here late on Friday and subsequently went up in flames.

"A bus traveling from Kannauj to Jaipur collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj, following which both went up in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued several people from the bus," Inspector General of Police, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said on Saturday.

He said that 25 passengers have been safely rescued from the bus and are either receiving treatment at local hospitals or have been discharged.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed condolences over the collision and announced Rs 2 lakh each compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those grievously injured in the incident.

Adityanath also sought a report of the incident from the District Magistrate.

08:09 January 11

10 charred to death as bus bursts into flames

10 charred to death as bus bursts into flames 

At least 10 bodies have been recovered from the spot and 21 others injured after a bus burst into flames at the GT Road in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj on Friday night.

08:00 January 11

Number of causalities is not certain yet, says IG

Number of causalities is not certain yet, says IG

Number of causalities is not certain yet, says IG 

IG (Kanpur range) Mohit Agarwal said that around 45 people were on the bus. 25 people were rescued, 12 of them admitted at Medical College Tirwa and 11 at District hospital. 

He said, "two people were completely safe and were sent home. 18-20 are missing, maybe they died but it is not certain yet. The bodies are badly burned, their bones are scattered, so only a DNA test will determine the death toll."

He further said that prima facie bodies of 8-10 people seem to be on the bus but the damage is so extensive that casualties can be determined only through a DNA test.

07:20 January 11

Bus carrying 45 passengers catches fire in UP's Kannauj after accident

Kannauj:At least 21 people sustained severe burn injuries in a fire that broke out after a bus carrying around 45 passengers collided with a truck near Uttar Pradesh's Chiloi village on Friday.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze has been controlled.

There were around 45 passengers on the bus which was on its way to Jaipur from Farrukhabad, police said, adding that the accident took place under the Chhibramau police station area.

Mohit Agarwal, Inspector General of Police, Kanpur said, "21 people have been rescued and admitted to hospital and efforts are on to contact their family members."

The blaze has been controlled and rescue operations are on, Agarwal said. Uttar Pradesh director general of police, OP Singh said it appears that the diesel tank of the vehicle exploded under the impact of the collision.

"Our first priority is to rescue the passengers safely and senior officers are present at the spot," the DGP said in Lucknow.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and asked the district magistrate and superintendent of police to ensure all possible medical assistance to the victims.

State govt has decided to provide ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakh each to families of the deceased & Rs 50,000 each as compensation to the injured. I have asked for a report from the District Magistrate.