Bus Plunges into Underpass on Lucknow-Ayodhya Highway, Injuring 20 Passengers
A serious accident shook the Lucknow-Ayodhya National Highway in Barabanki during the early hours of Sunday. A sleeper bus travelling from Gorakhpur to Delhi plunged nearly 15 feet into an underpass and overturned. At least twenty passengers sustained injuries in this terrifying incident.
Dense Fog and Poor Visibility Suspected as Key Factors
Authorities suspect dense fog and poor visibility triggered the accident. The bus was carrying around fifty-five passengers when it lost control near the underpass around 3 AM. Thick fog enveloped the area, causing the vehicle to skid off the highway. It then fell into the underpass with a sudden, violent impact.
The overturning bus trapped several passengers inside. Panic and distress cries filled the air as people struggled to escape the wreckage.
Swift Rescue Operation Launched by Police and Locals
Motorists passing through the stretch heard the screams and immediately alerted the police. Officers rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation.
City Circle Officer Sangam Kumar supervised the efforts. Police personnel worked swiftly with the help of local residents. They pulled out the injured and trapped passengers from the overturned vehicle.
Ambulances were pressed into service without delay. All injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Officials later confirmed the condition of all injured passengers was stable.
Traffic Disruption and Ongoing Investigation
The rescue operation affected traffic movement on the Lucknow-Ayodhya highway for some time. Authorities restored normal traffic flow after removing the bus and evacuating the injured.
Police have initiated a formal inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. A preliminary assessment points to dense fog and low visibility as major contributing factors. Investigators have not ruled out possibilities like mechanical failure or driver error. The inquiry will provide more clarity in the coming days.
