7 killed, 21 injured as sleeper bus overturns on Purvanchal Expressway in Lucknow
Times of India
by PATHIKRIT CHAKRABORTYFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A tragic accident occurred on Monday when a sleeper bus carrying around 40 passengers overturned on the Purvanchal Expressway near Hasanapur in the Gosainganj area of Lucknow, India. At least seven people were killed and 21 others injured in the incident, which happened while the bus was traveling from Ludhiana to Darbhanga. The vehicle lost control and flipped, leading to chaotic scenes at the accident site. Eyewitnesses reported that several passengers were feared trapped inside the overturned bus, prompting authorities to use cranes to lift it and rescue those inside.
Rescue teams, including police and emergency services, quickly responded to the incident. Locals joined in the efforts before official help arrived, assisting in freeing victims from the wreckage. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting that the driver may have dozed off while driving, a common factor in such accidents on long-distance routes.
The accident site remained crowded as locals gathered to assist and witness the aftermath. Authorities worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage and restore traffic movement along the Expressway. The incident has highlighted concerns over road safety, particularly on highways where drowsy driving is a frequent cause of fatal crashes. With at least seven lives lost and many more injured, this accident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and safer transportation practices in India.
This tragedy underscores the importance of road safety not just locally but globally, as similar issues persist across countries. The high death toll and the impact on vulnerable passengers make it a pressing concern for readers interested in global safety and infrastructure challenges. Authorities are continuing their efforts to provide relief and investigate the causes of this preventable disaster.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026