A catastrophic road accident has claimed the lives of at least 26 people in northern India, after a heavily overloaded tractor-trolley veered off the road and plunged into a deep canal.
The tragedy occurred in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh state early on Saturday morning, marking one of the deadliest road incidents in the region this year.
Details of the Tragedy
According to local police reports, the vehicle was transporting a large group of people, far exceeding its safe capacity, when the driver apparently lost control. The tractor-trolley overturned and fell into the irrigation canal, submerging all passengers.
Local villagers were the first to respond, initiating rescue efforts before emergency services arrived at the scene. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Trivedi confirmed the grim toll to reporters.
Rescue Operation Underway
Emergency teams, including police and disaster response personnel, are conducting a large-scale search and rescue operation. Efforts are focused on retrieving victims from the water, with fears the death toll could rise further.
"The rescue work is still ongoing," a senior police officer stated, indicating that some individuals may still be missing.
A Recurring Problem
This tragic incident highlights the persistent issue of road safety in India, particularly in rural areas where overcrowded and poorly maintained vehicles are common. Tractor-trolleys, designed for agricultural use, are frequently used for passenger transport despite safety regulations.
Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, has witnessed numerous similar accidents in recent years, often attributed to overloading, reckless driving, and inadequate infrastructure.
