Punjab-bound private double-decker bus overturns in UP, 3 killed

A private double-decker bus bound for Punjab overturned near Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning, resulting in three deaths and over 25 injuries, according to local police. The accident occurred in Chandausi tehsil when the speeding bus collided with the central divider and subsequently overturned, trapping passengers and causing widespread panic onboard. The bus was carrying approximately 150 individuals, many of whom were migrant workers returning to Punjab after visiting their families. The incident unfolded shortly after dawn, with initial reports indicating that the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Police authorities, including Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Manoj Rawat, confirmed that preliminary investigations pointed toward the driver dozing off, leading to the loss of control and subsequent collision. The bus, which was traveling from Bahraich to Punjab, was reportedly moving at an elevated speed when the mishap occurred. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the crash. Doctors at the Bahjoi Community Health Centre identified two victims who did not survive upon arrival. These included Neha, a 17-year-old girl from Gajapur in Bahraich, and Pintu, a 36-year-old man from Gonda. A third fatality, Rishabh Singh, a 35-year-old from Shankarpur in Bahraich, succumbed to his severe injuries later at the hospital. The remaining passengers sustained varying degrees of injury, some requiring immediate medical attention. Among the injured were numerous migrant laborers who had traveled from different parts of Uttar Pradesh to visit their families in Punjab. Many of these individuals were returning home after spending time with relatives during the festive season. The sudden nature of the accident left passengers in disarray, with some trapped beneath the wreckage and others struggling to escape the overturned vehicle. Local hospitals in the vicinity began receiving casualties soon after the crash. Medical personnel worked swiftly to stabilize the injured, while emergency responders coordinated efforts to clear the road and assist with the recovery operation. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the exact cause of the accident beyond the preliminary suggestion of the driver losing consciousness. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police requesting additional information from witnesses and reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently under scrutiny. Officials emphasized that the case will be thoroughly examined to determine whether negligence or other factors contributed to the tragedy. In the wake of the accident, there has been a call for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly concerning long-haul drivers and fatigue management. Local community leaders expressed concern over the safety conditions for commuters, especially during peak travel periods. Meanwhile, families of the deceased and injured continue to await updates from the authorities.