A sleeper bus travelling from Delhi to Lucknow overturned on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 passengers and leaving over 30 injured.
The incident occurred around 4:30 AM near the Asafi Dehat area, specifically between kilometre 82 and 83 of the expressway. The bus, operated by a private company, reportedly lost control and collided with a roadside barrier before overturning.
Initial reports suggest that the bus was carrying approximately 50-60 passengers. Authorities quickly responded to the scene, with police and ambulances dispatched to rescue survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including those in Unnao and Kanpur.
The injured are receiving treatment for a range of injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those seriously injured.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Preliminary investigations point to possible driver fatigue or a mechanical failure as potential factors. However, officials have stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
The Ganga Expressway, a recently completed project, has faced scrutiny regarding safety measures following this incident. Questions are being raised about the adequacy of barriers and emergency response systems along the expressway.
The accident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of safety standards for sleeper buses operating on highways in Uttar Pradesh. The bus company is also under investigation, and authorities are reviewing its safety record and operational practices.
