A private bus travelling from Delhi to Lakhimpur overturned into a roadside ditch early Monday morning on the Pilibhit–Puranpur Highway, leaving more than 15 passengers seriously injured. The incident occurred near the Gajaroula Police Station area at village Kanch at around 3:30 am, causing panic and screams as passengers struggled to escape the wreckage.
The serious accident has prompted emergency response teams to rush the injured to the Pilibhit District Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Several passengers sustained grievous injuries, including fractures and lacerations, and at least three have been reported to have suffered leg amputations in the crash.
Accident Details and Rescue Efforts
The bus was operated by a private travel company and was carrying an estimated 35 to 40 passengers from Lakhimpur and Bahraich districts when it lost control and veered off the road. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the bus toppled into the roadside ditch, with passengers shouting for help.
Local residents and fellow commuters were first to reach the scene and helped pull out those trapped inside the bus. Soon after, police and emergency services arrived and began rescue operations. The injured were then rushed to the district hospital for urgent medical care.
Among the injured identified so far are passengers including Parul (25), wife of Deepak from Bahraich; Bano (50) wife of Tassun from Bahraich; their four‑year‑old daughter Drishti; Laxmi from Nepal; Sunny (18) from Lakhimpur Kheri; and Ajay, son of Jai Bhagwan.
Passengers’ Allegations and Driver Conduct
Several passengers at the scene alleged that the bus driver was drunk at the time of the accident, claiming that impaired driving may have contributed to the loss of control. These claims are being investigated by local police to determine whether negligence played a role in the crash.
The driver’s condition, licence status and exact cause of the crash are under scrutiny. Police are also checking whether the vehicle was overloaded and if safety protocols were followed. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the driver’s sobriety or potential charges.
Injuries and Hospital Treatment
Medical officials at Pilibhit District Hospital confirmed that over 15 injured passengers are being treated for a range of injuries, from deep cuts to serious limb trauma. Three of the injured have sustained such severe leg injuries that amputations were necessary as part of emergency treatment.
Doctors said that most patients are in stable condition but will remain under observation, and some may be transferred to specialised facilities depending on the severity of their injuries. The hospital is coordinating blood donations and surgical support to manage the casualties.
Local Reaction and Road Safety Concerns
The accident has raised concerns about road safety on the Pilibhit–Puranpur Highway, which witnesses heavy traffic between Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions such as Rajasthan and Nepal. Local residents expressed that poor road conditions at night and vehicle overspeeding contribute to frequent mishaps.
Road users have urged the administration to enhance night‑time safety measures, improve lighting and add reflective signage to prevent similar accidents in future. Police are expected to review safety audits and may enforce stricter patrols on the busy stretch.
Investigation Underway
Pilibhit police have registered a case and are probing the incident. The vehicle will be examined for mechanical defects, and the driver will be questioned once medically cleared. Investigators may also look into passenger testimonies to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities emphasised the need for strict compliance with traffic safety norms and driver fitness standards to prevent such tragic incidents on state and national highways.