बागपत में भीषण सड़क हादसा: ईस्टर्न पेरीफेरल एक्सप्रेसवे पर डिवाइडर से टकराकर पलटा वाहन, 12 श्रद्धालुओं की मौत

A tragic road accident on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district has claimed the lives of 12 pilgrims and injured more than 16 others. The vehicle, carrying devotees returning to Budaun after a pilgrimage to Bagad Dham in Rajasthan, hit a road divider and overturned. Police are investigating the exact cause of the crash.

At least 12 pilgrims were killed and more than 16 others injured after a vehicle carrying devotees overturned on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.

The accident took place late Sunday night, around 12:30 am, near the Badagaon area under Khekra police station. According to police, the vehicle was carrying pilgrims who were returning to Budaun after visiting Bagad Dham in Rajasthan.

The vehicle, reportedly carrying around 32 people, hit a road divider and overturned. The impact left several passengers trapped inside and triggered panic at the accident site.

After receiving information through the Dial 112 emergency service, police teams, ambulances and Police Response Vehicles reached the spot and started rescue operations. The injured were pulled out of the overturned vehicle and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Several seriously injured passengers were referred to higher medical centres. As treatment continued, the number of fatalities increased from the initial reports, with the latest reports putting the death toll at 12. More than 16 people are reported to have been injured.

The exact cause of the accident is still being investigated. Police are looking into how the vehicle lost control and hit the divider. A preliminary account attributed the crash to the vehicle overturning after hitting the divider, while the driver's version about a possible collision from behind is also being examined.

The pilgrims were from Budaun and had travelled together to Rajasthan for the pilgrimage. According to reports, the group was returning home when the accident occurred in Baghpat.

Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal and Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai visited the hospital and met the injured. Officials directed medical teams to ensure timely treatment of those injured in the accident.

The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on major expressways, particularly regarding passenger vehicles carrying large groups of people during long-distance journeys.

Authorities are continuing the investigation, while efforts are also underway to identify the deceased and inform their families.