Kannauj: 21 Rescued, Several Feared Dead As Bus With More Than 40 Passengers Catches Fire After Collision

Several people were feared dead after a bus carrying more than 40 passengers caught fire after collision with a truck on GT Road in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district on Friday, according to initial reports. The bus, travelling from Kannauj to Jaipur, caught fire after collision with a truck on GT Road. Several fire tenders have been rushed to the accident site. At least 21 passengers have been rescued and taken to hospital. It took three to four fire engines about 30-40 minutes to douse the fire in both the vehicles.

"The 21 people rescued are out of danger. The fire in bus and truck has been doused. It is very unlikely anyone will be found alive inside the bus. Our teams will now ascertain how many people are dead," said Inspector General of Police, Kanpur range, Mohit Agarwal.

"Around 43 people were travelling in the bus. 21 people injured in the accident have been shifted to hospital. Fire is under control now. Rescue operation still underway," said Ravindra Kumar, District Magistrate, Kannauj.

The accident took place under the Chhibramau police station area near Chiloi village on Friday, police said. Police are still give out information on casualties.

Ravindra Kumar, Dist Magistrate, Kannauj: The bus is completely burnt. It is difficult to determine that how many passengers were left stuck inside the bus. We have asked for a list of passengers. After getting the numbers, we will be able to ascertain the number of casualties.

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2020

Kannauj: 21 people, injured when a bus caught fire after collision with a truck on GT Road earlier tonight, have been admitted to a hospital in Chhibramau,13 of them have been referred to Medical College Tirwa. BJP MLA from Chhibramau, Archana Pandey also visited them at hospital pic.twitter.com/97F2Js4TJz

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2020

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and asked the district magistrate and superintendent of police to ensure all possible medical assistance to the victims. UP govt has decided to provide ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakh each to families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each as compensation to the injured.

"Entire district administration is at the spot and involved in rescue operation. It isn't yet clear that how many lives were claimed in the incident. I've asked minister Ram Naresh Agnihotri to go to the spot. I have asked for a report from the District Magistrate," CM Yogi Adityanath told ANI.