12 pilgrims killed after vehicle hits divider and overturns on Uttar Pradesh expressway

At least 12 pilgrims died after a canter carrying 32 devotees overturned on Uttar Pradesh’s Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Baghpat district. More than 15 people were injured in the crash, which occurred at about 1 a.m. between Basi and Bada villages in the Khekra Kotwali area.

The pilgrims were returning to Budaun after visiting Bagad Dham in Rajasthan. Police said the vehicle hit a divider before overturning, causing panic and cries for help. Emergency teams took the injured to the district hospital, where doctors initially declared six people dead.

A district hospital doctor said 22 injured passengers were brought in, with 18 later referred to a higher medical centre in Meerut. Six more people died while receiving treatment at a medical college there, bringing the toll to 12, according to SSP Rai Suraj Rai.

The victims identified so far included Munni Devi, 55, Sugadpal, 40, Sadhu, 60, Rameshwar Yadav, 60, Premsingh, 40, and seven-year-old Jitendra. Authorities were still working to identify the remaining victims.

One injured passenger, Kunwarpal, said most people had been asleep when the vehicle suddenly overturned. He said the driver told passengers that another vehicle approaching from behind had collided with the canter. Police were investigating that account and the precise cause of the accident. District Magistrate Asmita Lal and Superintendent of Police Suraj Rai visited the hospital and directed staff to provide timely treatment.

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We were all sleeping in the vehicle when there was a loud impact and the canter suddenly overturned. There was screaming and chaos at the spot.