Lucknow: At least eight pilgrims were seriously injured after a bus carrying 26 devotees from West Bengal overturned on Ganga Expressway near the Aihar toll plaza in Rae Bareli’s Lalganj area early Sunday.The pilgrims were travelling to Varanasi for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple after visiting Mathura and Vrindavan when the accident occurred near kilometre marker 486 on the expressway.According to preliminary information, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the bus to overturn. Most passengers were asleep at the time. The impact was severe, and the vehicle reportedly skidded nearly 100 metres before crashing into the divider.Emergency response teams of Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured passengers were evacuated from the damaged vehicle and shifted in ambulances to a nearby Community Health Centre, where they are undergoing treatment.Police personnel also reached the scene and assisted in rescue and relief efforts. Circle officer Sujeet Kumar Rai visited the hospital, reviewed the condition of the injured pilgrims and sought details of their treatment from doctors.Officials said eight passengers sustained serious injuries, while others escaped with minor injuries.Preliminary findings suggest the bus overturned after the driver lost control.
