9 Killed In UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri Accident; PM Announces Ex Gratia

LUCKNOW, May 18: At least nine people were killed in a head-on collision between a speeding truck and a Magic vehicle in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing compensation for victims’ families.

The accident occurred near Adalispur village on the Pilibhit-Basti highway, around 40 km from the district headquarters, when a truck coming from Bahraich rammed into the Magic vehicle travelling from Lakhimpur towards Sisaiya. Ten people, including two women, were onboard the vehicle.

The impact dragged the Magic vehicle nearly 10 feet, leaving passengers with severe head injuries. Several were trapped between seats, while two were thrown onto the road. Police reached the spot and shifted one injured person to a nearby hospital. The truck driver fled after the crash.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those hurt. (Agencies)