Etawah road accident: The truck fell into a roadside ditch that was around 35-feet ditch
At least 10 people were killed and over 30 injured after a truck fell into a roadside ditch in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah today. All the victims were men.
The passengers were on their way to attend a religious gathering in the district's Lakhna when the driver lost control and the truck fell into the 35-feet deep ditch.
Police said the passengers were flung from the open truck; some were even found under the vehicle.
Videos from the accident site show a large number of people gathered around the ditch and the truck after the accident. Police officers were also at the spot conducting rescue operations.
Superintendent of Police, Etawah, Brijesh Kumar Singh told reporters that around 40-45 people were on the truck which included several women and children. When asked if the driver was drunk, the officer said it is being investigated.
"All the people have been rescued and sent to a hospital for treatment. The doctors are determining the exact number of injured people," Mr Singh said adding depending on the seriousness of the cases, the injured will be shifted to higher centres for treatment.
The injured are being treated at a hospital - some have suffered critical injuries.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief after the accident.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of people in a horrific road accident in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish for the wounded to recover quickly," the President tweeted.
In a condolence message on Twitter, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "The horrific road accident in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh is very sad. My deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the accident. I wish the injured speedy recovery."