Lucknow: A pall of gloom descended upon Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of 11 devotees en route to the renowned Prithvinath Temple. The victims were part of a group of 15, all headed for the famous temple in Karnailganj for Jalabhishek and darshan, when tragedy struck in the Itiyathok area.
According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle carrying the pilgrims suddenly lost control and veered off the road, plunging into a roadside canal. The mishap occurred as the group was making its way to the temple, which is especially crowded during the holy month of Sawan. The accident was so severe that 11 people died on the spot, while the remaining four sustained serious injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Swift Rescue and Relief Efforts
Upon receiving information about the accident, teams from the Itiyathok police station, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local administration rushed to the scene. Rescue operations were intensified with the help of cranes and specialised equipment. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for postmortem, and authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a combination of high speed and poor road conditions may have led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Community in Mourning
The Prithvinath Temple, located in Karnailganj of Gonda, is known for housing one of Asia’s largest Shivlings and attracts thousands of devotees, especially during Sawan. News of the accident has cast a shadow of sorrow across the region, with the local community deeply affected by the loss.
CM Yogi Announces Ex-Gratia, Orders Probe
Expressing his condolences via social media platform X, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the incident as “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching.” He announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and directed district officials to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured.
“The unfortunate loss of lives in the Gonda accident is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Instructions have been given to provide ₹5 lakh each as assistance to the kin of the deceased and ensure the best possible care for the injured,” CM Yogi stated.
District authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, with the District Magistrate assuring that every possible measure is being taken to support the victims’ families and provide medical care to the injured.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.