GONDA, Uttar Pradesh, Aug 3 — Eleven people died and four were critically injured when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) veered off the road and fell into the Saryu canal near Belwa Bahuta village on Sunday morning, police said.
The vehicle, which was carrying 15 passengers, was headed from Sihagaon village to the Prithvinath temple in Khargupur to offer holy water, according to Station House Officer Krishn Gopal Rai of the Itiathok police station.
“Preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control near a sharp turn. With help from locals and rescue teams, we recovered 11 bodies from the canal,” Rai told reporters at the site of the accident. “The remaining four occupants were rescued in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.”
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. Officials confirmed that the bodies have been sent for autopsy and a formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed sorrow over the tragedy and directed district officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. “I extend my condolences to the bereaved families,” Adityanath said in a statement. “A compensation of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to each of the victims’ families.”
Eyewitness accounts from nearby villagers indicated that by the time help arrived, the SUV had already submerged fully. Many of the victims are believed to be members of the same extended family.
Rescue operations were carried out jointly by local police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and community members.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue the probe.
