BAGHPAT: In a heartbreaking road tragedy, at least six pilgrims were killed and around 25 others sustained serious injuries early Monday morning after a speeding canter truck struck a pickup van on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway near Baragaon in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.

According to local police, the accident occurred when the pickup van, carrying approximately 30 to 32 pilgrims, lost control following the collision, hit the central divider, and overturned on the highway. Screams and desperate cries for help echoed across the expressway as local residents and motorists rushed to the scene to assist in pulling victims out of the crumpled wreckage.

Emergency Responders Swung Into Action

Upon receiving news of the crash, senior administrative and police officials—including Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal and Superintendent of Police (SP) Suraj Kumar Rai—swiftly reached the spot and coordinated emergency rescue operations.

The injured were immediately rushed to the Khekra Community Health Center (CHC), CHC Baghpat, and the Baghpat District Hospital for first aid and preliminary care. Due to the severity of their condition, several critically injured passengers were later referred to higher medical facilities in Meerut and Delhi for specialized treatment.

Identification and Investigation Underway

Confirming the casualty count, Baghpat SP Suraj Kumar Rai stated that six individuals lost their lives in the crash. Authorities have sent all six bodies for post-mortem examinations and are actively working to establish the identities of the deceased. So far, one of the deceased has been identified as Rameshwar, a resident of Alhapur.

"Around 30 persons were injured in the accident, several of whom sustained serious injuries. All the injured were promptly shifted to nearby health centers and the district hospital, while those in critical condition have been moved to higher centers," SP Rai said, adding that efforts to identify the remaining victims are underway.

To assist affected families during this crisis, Baghpat Police issued an official statement on social media, sharing a dedicated helpline number (9454417383) for relatives seeking information regarding the deceased and those receiving treatment in hospitals.

Law enforcement has registered a case and initiated a thorough probe to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision.