29 passengers killed in Yamuna Expressway accident

At least 29 people were killed on Monday when a passenger bus fell into a gorge on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.

The bus, after hitting the divider, fell into the 40-feet-deep gap between two flyovers on the Yamuna Expressway near Milestone 161 (Jharna nallah) under Etmadpur police jurisdiction of Agra district at around 4.15 a.m.

The double-decker bus with about 50 passengers on board was heading to Delhi from Lucknow.

Police reports said that 20 passengers have been rescued so far and efforts were on to rescue the rest.

Initial reports suggest that the accident occurred after the bus driver of the UPSRTC Jan Rath dozed off at the wheel.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the victims' kin.

He also instructed officials to expedite rescue and relief work at the spot, adding that proper treatment should be provided to the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police O.P. Singh has directed the officials to carry out relief and rescue work. All senior officials have reached the accident site.

"DGP UP OP Singh has directed to carry out relief & rescue work in full swing and is supervising it personally. All senior officers present at the spot (sic)," the state police tweeted.

The Janrath bus of the Uttar Pradesh Roadways' Awadh Depot was going from Lucknow to the national capital's Anand Vihar ISBT, the officials said.

The 165-km six-lane expressway connects Noida with Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of the 29 passengers.

"Saddened to hear about the tragic loss of lives because of another bus accident, this time near Agra. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Let us all follow #SafeDriveSaveLife" she tweeted.

with IANS and PTI inputs