Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh: Six people were killed and more than two dozen others injured after a pickup vehicle carrying 32 passengers from Rajasthan to Budaun overturned after hitting a road divider in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district early Monday, police said.

The accident took place around 12.30 am in the Khekra police station area, police said.

Four Police Response Vehicles (PRVs) of Dial 112, along with ambulance services and personnel from the Khekra police station, reached the spot after receiving information about the accident and began rescue and relief operations, Superintendent of Police Suraj Rai said.

The injured were taken to Community Health Centres in Khekra and Baghpat and the district hospital in Baghpat. Those with serious injuries were referred to higher medical centres for specialised treatment, police said.

Injured passenger Kunwar Pal said most of the passengers were asleep when the accident occurred.

"Suddenly, there was a loud noise and the vehicle overturned, following which screams were heard at the spot," Pal said.

SP Rai said the driver told police that another vehicle had hit the pickup from behind, causing it to overturn. However, police are investigating the exact cause of the accident, he said.

Medical College CMS Ajit Chaudhary told PTI that six fatalities had been confirmed. He said 12 injured passengers were undergoing treatment at the medical college, including four who were in critical condition.

Police are also contacting the families of those killed and injured and providing them with necessary assistance.

The police have appealed to family members seeking information about the deceased or injured to contact Baghpat Police at 9454417383, they added. PTI