Lucknow, August 3: At least 11 people, including three children, lost their lives when a vehicle carrying 15 pilgrims plunged into a canal in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district on Sunday. The group was en route to the Prithvinath Temple to offer prayers when a tragic accident occurred near Moorganj police station on the Seehgaon–Kharagoopur road, within the limits of the Itia Thok police station.
Local officials confirmed that the vehicle veered off the road and fell into the canal, leading to the deaths of 11 passengers. Four others sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. He announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
"The loss of lives in this tragic accident is heart-wrenching. My thoughts are with the families in mourning," said the Chief Minister. "Officials have been directed to provide all necessary medical care to the injured and to ensure that relief measures are carried out without delay," he added.
The state administration is currently overseeing rescue and relief operations at the site.
