India: 18 Killed, Dozens Injured after Speeding Truck Hits Bus

At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured after a speeding truck hit a bus in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, India, on Wednesday.

The incident took place around 1:30 am at the National Highway 28, where the double-decker bus was parked at the roadside following a breakdown, HT's sister publication Live Hindustan reported.

Reports have indicated that 18 labourers, who were sleeping on the roadside were killed due to the impact of the accident. More than 24 labourers were reported to be gravely injured.

A team of police reached the spot as soon as they received information about the accident. Moreover, UP police officials asserted that the wounded passengers were rushed to the district hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Commenting on the accident, Satya Narayan Sabat, ADG, Lucknow Zone said, "A truck rammed into a bus near Ram Sanehi Ghat In Barabanki, late last night. About 18 casualties with many passengers sustaining injuries; 19 got hospitalized."

"Rescue operation to recover the dead bodies stuck under the bus is underway," Sabat added. "The bus driver had asked passengers to rest while he was repairing the bus. Soon after, a truck collided into the parked bus resulting in many casualties."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.

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In addition, the injured would be given Rs 50,000 each, the prime minister's office said on Twitter.