The collision in the state of Uttar Pradesh occurred when the Delhi-bound bus crashed into the back of a tanker carrying milk.
A bus crash in northern India has killed at least 18 people, including a child, in the latest deadly road accident on the country's congested highways.
The collision took place early Wednesday in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where the bus heading to the national capital New Delhi crashed into the back of a tanker carrying milk.
The force of the crash threw several people out of the vehicle and onto the road, Indian broadcaster NDTV reported, citing local police. Bodies were strewn on the ground along with broken glass and mangled debris.
In addition to the 18 dead, 19 other people were injured and taken to hospital.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the accident “heart-wrenching” and ordered officials to ensure that the injured receive adequate care.
State Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak told news agency ANI that an inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the reasons for the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media and announced state compensation for the victims and their loved ones. Relatives of the deceased will receive 200,000 rupees ($2,400) while the injured will receive 50,000 rupees ($600).
The Prime Minister has announced that the PMNRF will provide compensation of Rs 200,000 to the kin of each person killed in the Unnao accident. The injured will receive Rs 50,000.
— Project Management Office of India (@PMOIndia) July 10, 2024
Road accidents are common in India, often caused by reckless driving, poor roads and old vehicles. According to government estimates, 168,000 deaths occurred due to such accidents in 2022.
In May, 21 people were killed and more than 50 injured when the bus they were travelling in slid into a deep gorge in Indian-administered Kashmir.
