At least eight people were killed and 16 injured on Monday, 25 July, when a double-decker bus bound for Delhi crashed into another double-decker bus which was stationary, on Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal Expressway.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Barabanki, Manoj Pandey said that the bus, which was coming from Bihar's Sitamarhi, hit the stationary bus from behind, news agency PTI reported.
The incident occurred near the Narendrapur Madraha village in the state.
The ASP further said that efforts to identify the deceased were ongoing and that the injured persons had been taken to the local hospital. From there, those who had sustained serious injuries were being referred to a trauma centre in Lucknow.
PM Modi, CM Adityanath Express Condolences
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
"The accident on Purvanchal Expressway in Barabanki is extremely sad. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Along with this, I wish the speedy recovery of all the injured. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in all possible help," the PM said on Twitter.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences over the incident and directed authorities to ensure adequate treatment for the injured persons.
"The loss of life in a road accident on Purvanchal Expressway is very sad. Instructions have been given to the concerned officials for speedy relief and rescue operations and proper treatment of the injured. May Lord Shri Ram grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured," CM Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi.
Bihar CM Announces Ex Gratia for Kin of Deceased
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday expressed his condolences over the death of the eight people hailing from the state.
In a statement, Kumar also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, reported PTI.
He added that he has directed the Bihar Resident Commissioner to get in touch with UP officials and arrange for the treatment of those who have sustained serious injuries and transportation of bodies of the deceased to their respective native places.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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