At least 31 people were killed and 27 injured in two separate accidents in Kanpur of Uttar Pradesh province in India on Staurday night, reports NDTV.
The first accident took place when a tractor trolley, carrying around 50 pilgrims, overturned and fell into a nearby pond of Ghatampur area. At least 26 pilgrims, mostly women and children, died in the incident, while 20 were severely injured, local officials said. The injured were moved to a local hospital.
Local police said, the station in-charge of Sarh police station has been suspended for alleged negligence. According to news agency ANI, the action was taken against the official over delay in rushing the police force to the accident spot.
The other road accident in the city occured within hours where five people were killed and seven others injured after a speeding truck rammed into a loader tempo near Ahirwan flyover. The injured have been admitted to hospital for treatment, police said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the death of 26 pilgrims and announced a compensation of 2 lakh Rupee for each family who have lost a member in the accident. The injured will be given a financial assistance of Rupee 50,000 each, he said.
Chief Minister of UP Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolence for the loss of lives and sent senior ministers Rakesh Sachan and Ajit Pal to the site to oversee the relief and rescue measures.
He also appealed to people to not use a tractor-trolley for transport and limit its using just for agricultural work and transfer of goods.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
