Tragedy Strikes Pilgrims on Way to Rajasthan
In a tragic road accident, eight pilgrims lost their lives and 43 others sustained injuries after a speeding truck rammed into a tractor-trolley in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district. The incident took place around 2:10 am on Monday near the Arnia bypass, close to the Bulandshahr-Aligarh border.
थाना अरनिया क्षेत्रान्तर्गत अरनिया बाईपास (बुलन्दशहर-अलीगढ़ बोर्डर) पर ट्रैक्टर-ट्राली व कैंटर ट्रक की हुई टक्कर में करीब 43 लोग घायल व 08 लोगों की मृत्यु हो जाने की घटना के सम्बन्ध में वरिष्ठ पुलिस अधीक्षक बुलन्दशहर की बाइट।#UPPolice pic.twitter.com/VLb7VsRxZV
— Bulandshahr Police (@bulandshahrpol) August 25, 2025
According to police, the tractor-trolley was carrying 61 devotees from Rafatpur village in Kasganj district. They were traveling to Jaharpeer in Rajasthan for a religious pilgrimage when the collision occurred.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural) Dinesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the truck, coming from behind, hit the tractor-trolley with full force, causing it to overturn. Emergency teams rushed to the site and shifted the victims to nearby hospitals.
Children Among the Victims
The deceased include two children and six adults. Police identified them as tractor driver E U Babu (40), Rambeti (65), Chandni (12), Ghaniram (40), Mokshi (40), Shivansh (6), Yogesh (50), and Vinod (45), all residents of Kasganj district.
Of the 43 injured, 12 are children. Officials confirmed that three victims remain on ventilator support, while many others are under observation.
Ten of the injured were admitted to Aligarh Medical College, 10 to Bulandshahr district hospital, and 23 to Kailash Hospital in Khurja. Police said ten passengers escaped with minor injuries.
Administration Responds with Relief Efforts
District Magistrate Shruti, along with senior police officials, visited the accident site despite heavy drizzle. Authorities later met with patients undergoing treatment to assess their condition and assure families of full support.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem. Police added that the erring truck, registered in Haryana, has been impounded. Legal proceedings are underway against the driver and vehicle owner.
“Protecting the lives of injured pilgrims and ensuring strict action against negligence remain our priority,” SSP Singh said.
Road Safety Concerns in Uttar Pradesh
This incident highlights recurring concerns about road safety on Uttar Pradesh highways. Pilgrims, often traveling in overloaded tractor-trolleys, remain vulnerable to accidents involving heavy vehicles.
Officials said discussions are underway to regulate the use of tractor-trolleys for long-distance pilgrimages. Local residents have also demanded stricter monitoring of highways, especially during peak travel seasons.
As families grieve, the state government has assured that further measures will be taken to support victims and prevent such tragedies in the future.