LUCKNOW: In a major road accident in Etah district in Uttar Pradesh, 14 people were killed and over two dozen critically injured when a mini-truck ferrying a marriage party of over 50 people drove into a roadside canal in Neem Sarai in Jalesar police station area on Friday morning.
The driver of the vehicle is believed to have been drowsy when he lost control of the wheels and crashed into the canal. A rescue operation was underway.
According to sources, the mini truck was returning from a marriage in Nagaria Podral village of Agra district. Seven passengers died instantly while seven others succumbed en route to the hospital.
Etah district magistrate Amit Kishore and SSP Satyarth Anirudhh Pankaj rushed to the spot with a heavy contingent of police to rescue the injured, with the help of local residents.
While those seriously injured were referred to Agra SSN Medical College, those who escaped with minor injuries were treated at Jalesar Primary health centre. Meanwhile, DM Amit Kishore ordered a probe into the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of each of those killed.
The prime minister also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those seriously injured in the accident.
"My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the accident in Etah, UP. May those injured in the accident recover quickly," Modi said.
(with inputs from PTI)