Gonda Accident: In a heart-wrenching incident on Sunday morning, an SUV carrying 15 people plunged into the Saryu canal in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district, resulting in the death of 11 individuals and injuries to four others. The vehicle was en route from Sihagaon village to the revered Prithvinath temple in Khargupur when the tragic mishap occurred near Belwa Bahuta.
What Happened: Slippery Road Turns Fatal
According to Station House Officer (SHO) Krishn Gopal Rai of Itiyathok police station, the SUV lost control and skidded off the slippery road adjacent to the canal. Witness Rahul Verma, a local resident, said it had been raining since morning, and the road was slick. As the driver applied the brakes, the vehicle slipped and plunged into the deep waters of the Saryu canal.
Verma added, “We immediately called the police and gathered villagers. With the help of ropes, we pulled the vehicle out of the water, but by then, many lives had already been lost.”
Rescue Operation: 11 Bodies Recovered, 4 Survivors
A swift rescue operation followed, with police, local villagers, and emergency response teams working together to retrieve the submerged SUV. Eleven bodies, including those of six women and three children, were recovered from the canal. The four survivors, including the driver, were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Identities of the Deceased
Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal confirmed the identities of the deceased as:
- Beena (35)
- Kajal (22)
- Mehak (12)
- Durgesh
- Nandini
- Ankit
- Shubh
- Sanju Verma
- Anju
- Anasuya
- Saumya
A teenage girl who survived the crash recounted that the group was joyfully singing devotional songs (“bhajans”) when the tragedy struck.
National and State Response: PM Modi and CM Yogi Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon.”
PM Modi also announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences and announced a ₹5 lakh compensation for each bereaved family. He has also directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident, though initial reports point to the slippery road conditions due to heavy rainfall. The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety and infrastructure along canal routes, especially during the monsoon season.
A Pilgrimage That Turned Tragic
What was meant to be a spiritual journey to the sacred Prithvinath temple turned into a devastating tragedy for 15 people and their families. The entire Gonda district mourns the loss of innocent lives. As the survivors begin their slow recovery, the hope remains that such incidents are prevented in the future through improved road safety and timely infrastructure checks.