Hathras, (UNI) A roadways bus collided head-on with a milk tanker on the Agra–Aligarh National Highway near Samamai village in the Sadar area of Hathras district today afternoon, claiming four lives and at least 18 injured.
According to police officials, the Hathras depot roadways bus was returning from Aligarh to Hathras when the milk tanker, heading in the opposite direction, suddenly swerved to avoid hitting a cyclist. In the attempt to save the cyclist, the tanker crashed into the oncoming bus, causing the bus to overturn on the highway.
The impact was so severe that the tanker veered off the road and ran over a fruit vendor selling guavas on a roadside cart. Eyewitness videos show the vendor writhing in pain as bystanders tried to help him, wiping blood from his face.
Emergency services rushed to the scene. Police broke open the bus windows to rescue trapped passengers. A green corridor was created to ensure the quick transfer of the injured to hospitals. A total of 21 injured passengers were taken to nearby medical facilities, with three critically injured victims referred to Aligarh Medical College for advanced treatment.
District Magistrate Atul Vats and Superintendent of Police Chiranjeev Nath Sinha reached the district hospital to monitor the rescue and medical operations.
“According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when both vehicles tried to avoid a motorcycle. All injured have been taken to hospitals, and proper treatment is being provided,” said DM Vats.
Medical officials at the Sadar Community Health Centre reported receiving 16 patients initially, six of whom were later referred to higher medical centres due to their critical condition. The hospital was overcrowded, and additional staff and pharmacists were called in to handle the emergency situation.
Traffic on the busy Agra–Aligarh Highway remained halted for nearly an hour until cranes and JCB machines were used to remove the wrecked bus and restore vehicle movement.
Police confirmed four deaths in the accident, including the bus conductor and the fruit vendor crushed under the tanker.
The deceased were identified as Kuldeep (11), resident of Tilothi, Sasni, Arjun (32), bus conductor, resident of Bagwala, Etah district,
Maharaj Singh (45), resident of Iglas Adda, Hathras Gate and Sonu (52), resident of Harinagar, Sasni.
Authorities have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination and assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to the victims’ families.
The district administration and police are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
Four killed, 18 injured in collision between bus & milk tanker in Hathras
