Uttar Pradesh: More Than 20 Injured as Bihar-Bound Sleeper Bus Carrying Nearly 150 Passengers Overturns on Ganga Expressway in Sambhal

More than 20 people were injured after an overcrowded double-decker sleeper bus travelling from Punjab and Haryana to Bihar overturned on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district early Wednesday morning. The bus was reportedly carrying between 150 and 200 passengers, including migrant workers and their family members returning home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. The passengers were travelling to several Bihar districts, including Purnia, Darbhanga, Supaul and Sitamarhi. The reported passenger count significantly exceeded the vehicle’s permitted capacity.

According to passengers, the accident occurred between 4:30 am and 5:30 am. Witnesses alleged that the bus was moving at high speed when the driver lost control. Some passengers claimed the driver may have fallen asleep or been under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle reportedly swerved several times before leaving the paved road and overturning on the roadside.

Police, local officials and emergency teams rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations. Several passengers, including women and children, were trapped inside the overturned vehicle and had to be evacuated through emergency windows, which were broken to facilitate their escape. The injured were subsequently taken by ambulance to Sambhal District Hospital for treatment.

Mukesh Kumar, a passenger from Supaul who had boarded the bus in Ambala, described how the vehicle repeatedly swayed before crashing. He said the bus was packed with more than 150 people and passengers had to break the windows to get out. He also expressed concern that the consequences could have been far worse had the vehicle fallen into a water body.

Another passenger, Farzana Parveen, who was travelling to Darbhanga, alleged that the bus was carrying nearly 200 people and accused the driver of reckless behaviour. She claimed the driver had consumed alcohol at a roadside eatery before continuing the journey. According to her account, the bus overturned suddenly at around 5:30 am, leaving women, children and elderly passengers trapped beneath or inside the vehicle.

Dr Rajendra Saini, Chief Medical Superintendent of Sambhal District Hospital, said the hospital had activated emergency arrangements following the accident. More than 20 injured passengers were admitted for treatment and placed under medical observation. Additional doctors and medical supplies were made available to manage the influx of patients. Police later removed the damaged bus from the highway to minimise disruption to traffic. A case has been registered, and authorities are investigating allegations of overloading and negligent driving. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in establishing the cause of the accident and determining responsibility.

The incident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety on long-distance routes, particularly during major festivals when migrant workers travel in large numbers to return home. Allegations of excessive passenger loads and unsafe driving highlight the need for stricter checks on commercial vehicles, compliance with permitted capacity limits and effective enforcement of road safety regulations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.