Hathras (UP): A tragic road accident on National Highway 93 in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people on Friday. The victims, including four women and several children, were travelling in a van that was struck from behind by a roadways bus.

According to officials, 13 others were injured in the collision and have been admitted to a government hospital. The incident occurred near Kanwarpur village, about 10 kilometres from the district headquarters, as the bus attempted to overtake the van on the Agra-Aligarh National Highway.

The deceased have been identified as Irshad (25), Munne Khan (55), Muskan (16), Talli (28), Tabassum (28), Najma (25), Bhola (25), Khushbu (25), Jameel (50), Chote (25), Ayan (2), Sufiyan (1), Alfaz (6), Shoaib (5), and Ishrat (50).

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered district officials to manage relief efforts at the scene and ensure the injured receive appropriate medical treatment. He has also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths in the accident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The local administration is providing all possible help to the victims under the supervision of the state government, he said on X.

Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in the accident and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.

"The news of the deaths of several people in a road accident in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones and pray for a speedy recovery of those injured," Murmu said in a post in Hindi on X. 

PTI