Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – A pall of grief has descended upon the Maha Kumbh Mela following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of ten devotees and left nineteen others injured. The collision occurred late Friday night on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway, casting a somber shadow over the ongoing festivities.
The Fatal Collision
At approximately midnight, a Bolero car carrying pilgrims returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela collided head-on with a bus traveling in the opposite direction. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, instantly claiming the lives of all ten occupants of the Bolero. The victims, all men aged between 25 and 45, hailed from Korba district in Chhattisgarh and were en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Sangam.
The bus, carrying devotees from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, who were returning from the Kumbh Mela to Varanasi, also bore the brunt of the collision. Nineteen passengers sustained injuries and were promptly rushed to CHC Ramnagar for medical attention.
A Scene of Despair
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing sight, with mangled vehicles and distraught individuals. The impact of the collision had left the Bolero car completely wrecked, while the bus also suffered significant damage. The cries of the injured and the wails of those who had lost their loved ones filled the night air, creating a scene of utter despair.
Swift Response and Investigation
Upon receiving news of the accident, local authorities swiftly mobilized rescue efforts. Police personnel arrived at the scene to manage the situation and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The injured passengers were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Swaroop Rani Medical Hospital for post-mortem examination.
DCP Yamunanagar, Vivek Chandra Yadav, confirmed the incident and assured that a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. While preliminary reports suggest that the Bolero driver may have dozed off, leading to the collision, a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
Condolences and Support
The tragic accident has elicited a wave of condolences and support from various quarters. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He directed district administration officials to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured and ensure all necessary support to the victims and their families.
President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences through a tweet, describing the incident as “unfortunate” and wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Maha Kumbh Mela Declared No-Vehicle Zone
In the wake of the accident and anticipating a surge in visitors on February 15th and 16th, the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone. This decision aims to ensure the safety and smooth flow of pilgrims during the peak days of the festival.
A Somber Reminder
The tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during large gatherings and festivals. It underscores the need for drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant while on the road. As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues, it is imperative for all attendees to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further mishaps.
A Community in Mourning
The entire community is in mourning following the loss of ten lives in this unfortunate accident. As the investigation progresses and the injured recover, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring that such tragedies are avoided in the future. The Maha Kumbh Mela, while a celebration of faith and unity, has been marred by this unfortunate incident, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.
