8 Dead, 43 Injured as Truck Rams Tractor-Trolley Carrying Pilgrims in UP’s Bulandshahr

In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a speeding truck collided with a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, resulting in eight deaths and 43 injuries. The accident occurred around 2:10 a.m. near the Arnia bypass on the Bulandshahr-Aligarh border. The victims were part of a group traveling from Kasganj to Rajasthan for a religious pilgrimage.

Details of the Incident

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural) Dinesh Kumar Singh, the tractor-trolley was carrying 61 people when it was struck from behind by a canter truck, causing it to overturn. The deceased include eight individuals, among them two minors. Twelve of the injured are under the age of 18, with three reported to be in critical condition and on ventilator support. The remaining injured are stable and have been admitted to hospitals in Aligarh, Bulandshahr, and Khurja.

Government Response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh has been announced for the families of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for each of the injured. The truck involved in the accident, registered in Haryana, has been impounded, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of using tractor-trolleys for long-distance travel, especially among pilgrims in rural areas. In the past, similar accidents have led to calls for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies. Authorities are expected to review safety protocols and consider alternative transportation options to ensure the safety of travelers in the future.