Tragic UP accident: 7 children among 15 pilgrims dead as vehicle plunges into pond

PTC Web Desk: Tragedy struck in Uttar Pradesh as 15 pilgrims were killed after the vehicle they were travelling in fell in a pond, the police said on Saturday. As per information, the pilgrims were on way to Kadarganj to take a holy dip in the Ganga when the accident took place at Kasganj in UP.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a relief of Rs 2 lakh each for next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

As per information, critically injured pilgrims are admitted at the district hospital while some have been referred for further medical assistance. District Magistrate, SP and other administrative and police officials have reached the scene. Rescue and relief efforts are underway. Anguished cries echo through the affected families.

The ill-fated tractor-trolley was carrying 40 persons at the time, including eight women and seven children. Currently, a rescue operation with a bulldozer is underway at the site. Local residents have provided assistance, and the injured have been referred to the district hospital. It is reported that all the individuals involved were residents of Jaitara in Etah.

According to locals, the tractor was moving at high speed when it lost control, veering off the road and into the pond. The passengers were on their way to take a holy dip in the Ganga at Kadarganj Ghat in Kasganj on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. The incident occurred near the Gadhia village on the Riyavagunj-Patiali road.

SP Aparna Kaushik said the pond had been checked multiple times, and the search for any missing persons was ongoing. A medical team at the hospital had been directed to provide the best possible treatment.

Eyewitnesses from the village reported that the tractor was speeding, lost control, and went into the pond. Some individuals standing at the edge fell into the water, while those inside the tractor-trolley were submerged. The cries for help prompted locals to rush to the scene, pulling out whoever they could. The DM confirmed 15 deaths, including seven children and eight women.

This is a developing story and more details are awaited.

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