A major road accident on the Raya–Aligarh Road in Mathura claimed the lives of two women and left around two dozen people injured on Friday afternoon after a school bus allegedly rammed into a tractor-trolley carrying mourners.
The accident occurred near Birhana village (Bichpuri area) under the Raya police station limits. According to initial information, the speeding school bus struck the tractor-trolley from behind multiple times, causing the trolley to overturn on the road.
Family Was Travelling to Attend a Funeral
According to local residents and injured passengers, the tractor-trolley was carrying approximately 24 members of a family from Adhaiya Khurd village in Rajasthan. They were travelling to Harpur in Aligarh district to attend the funeral of a relative when the accident took place.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the school bus hit the trolley repeatedly from behind, resulting in the vehicle losing balance and overturning. Men, women and children travelling in the trolley were trapped underneath following the impact.
Two Women Succumb to Injuries
The injured were rescued by villagers and rushed to the District Hospital in Mathura with the help of ambulances.
Hospital authorities confirmed that Rajni, wife of Ajay, and her sister-in-law Shashi succumbed to their injuries during treatment. More than 16 injured persons continue to receive medical care, while reports indicate that seven of them are in critical condition.
All children travelling in the school bus were reported to be safe.
Villagers Rescue Victims, Driver Flees
Local residents immediately began rescue operations after the collision, pulling victims from beneath the overturned tractor-trolley before emergency services arrived.
The school bus driver allegedly fled the scene after the accident, abandoning the vehicle. Police have initiated efforts to trace and apprehend the driver.
Police Begin Investigation
Raya Police Station officials, led by Station House Officer Karamveer Singh and outpost in-charge Kushal Pal Singh, reached the accident site soon after receiving information.
Both the school bus and the tractor-trolley have been taken into police custody. Traffic on the route was restored after clearing the damaged vehicles, while investigators collected evidence from the scene.
Police have initiated legal proceedings against the absconding bus driver. The exact cause of the accident will be determined after completion of the investigation.
Administration Focuses on Treatment of Injured
District administration officials and medical teams are monitoring the condition of the injured. Authorities have stated that all necessary medical assistance is being provided to those undergoing treatment.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow of grief over the victims’ families, who were already travelling to attend the funeral of a relative when the incident occurred.
