Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash in Mirzapur Claims Eleven Lives, Including Children

Devastating Accident in Uttar Pradesh

Mirzapur (UP): In a tragic incident, eleven individuals, including children, lost their lives in a horrific multi-vehicle accident attributed to a suspected brake failure of a truck in Mirzapur district, as reported by local authorities on Thursday.

The collision occurred around 8:30 PM on Wednesday, prompting immediate response from police and fire brigade teams who initiated rescue efforts alongside local residents, according to Mirzapur SP Aparna Rajat Kaushik.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences, describing the event as "extremely tragic and heart-rending."

The crash took place on National Highway-135, descending from the Dramandganj valley towards Lasoda, approximately 50 kilometers from the district headquarters.

Initial investigations suggest that a truck descending the slope experienced brake failure, leading to the catastrophic collision.

The truck, which was transporting chickpeas from Madhya Pradesh, lost control on a steep incline, colliding with a Bolero car and another truck ahead.

The subsequent chain reaction resulted in two vehicles, including the Bolero, catching fire. The flames were so severe that it took over two hours to extinguish them, officials reported.

"Police and local residents worked together to rescue those trapped in the wreckage. Currently, eleven fatalities have been confirmed," stated the SP.

Among the deceased were nine occupants of the Bolero, which included four children, three women, and two men, who were returning from a visit to the Maihar temple in Madhya Pradesh.

The drivers of the other car and the truck also perished, with one succumbing en route to the hospital.

District Magistrate Pawan Gangwar informed that seven victims hailed from Mirzapur, three from Madhya Pradesh, and one from the neighboring Sonbhadra district.

The victims from Mirzapur's Jigna area included Shiva Singh (8), Sonam Singh (9), Piyush Singh (14), Pankaj Singh (40), Vandana Singh (43), Vishnu Singh (45), and Veena Singh (47).

Others who lost their lives included Kartikeya Singh (18) and Priyanka Singh (42) from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Vikas Sharma (32) from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jai Prakash (27) from Sonbhadra.

Authorities noted that the bodies were severely burned, complicating the identification process.

Lalganj Circle Officer Amar Bahadur Singh mentioned that it took significant time to identify the victims and notify their families, using vehicle registration details.

The vehicles involved included a truck registered in Bihar and another from Madhya Pradesh, along with two cars, one from Sonbhadra and the other from Mirzapur.

In a post on X, Adityanath stated, "The loss of lives in the road accident in Mirzapur is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

"Instructions have been given to ensure proper medical care for the injured," he added.

"I pray to Lord Ram for the departed souls to find eternal peace, and for the grieving families to have the strength to endure this immense sorrow, while wishing for a swift recovery for the injured," the Chief Minister concluded.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta, responsible for Mirzapur, also expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to the families affected.

"The government is committed to supporting the affected families during this difficult time. Directions have been issued to provide all necessary assistance," Gupta stated.

A thorough investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the accident, according to police.