A local report said at least 27 people – mostly women and children – were killed after a trailer they were traveling in fell into a pond in India.
Around 40 people were returning from a religious function at Chandrika Devi temple when the tractor-triggered transport lost control and overturned in the water.
Videos taken at the scene show rescuers pulling victims out of a submerged “tractor trolley” in almost complete darkness.
Some people stand on top of the trailer to watch the victims cry and cry in the water.
One rescuer can be seen pulling a small child out of the water and handing it over to another rescuer.
20 injured riders were taken to hospital in Bhitergaon, where several were declared brought dead.
All the victims were residents of Kortha village. Hindustan Times reported the news. They were returning from a “worldly”, an important Hindu ceremony in which a barber saves a child’s head for the first time.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Twitter, “The road accident in Kanpur district is very heart-wrenching.” “It is very sad to lose life in this accident. My condolences are with the bereaved family. Praying to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place at his feet to the departed souls and to the families of the deceased to bear this immeasurable loss.”
Adityanath has called upon the local people not to use tractors to transport people. Surya said. The Chief Minister said that the families of the dead and injured would be given compensation for the tragedy.
Police are still investigating the accident and will reveal the death toll in the coming days.