Akola: A 50-year-old woman from Buldhana and another from Akola died after a bus overturned on the Ghazipur-Varanasi four-lane highway in Nandganj police station limits in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. More than 35 passengers sustained injuries. The bus driver lost control after a stone was allegedly hurled at the vehicle, said sources. According to officials, the bus was carrying around 48–50 pilgrims from Buldhana and Akola districts. The group was returning from Nepal and heading towards Varanasi for darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple when the accident occurred. The group had earlier travelled to Chitrakoot and Ayodhya. The pilgrimage tour was organised by Jai Shriram Tours and Travels.The deceased have been identified as Annapurnabai (50), a resident of Akola, and Saraswatibai Pakhare from Rohinkhed village in Buldhana district. Three of the injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition. All the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College in Ghazipur.A pilgrim travelling in the bus said, “A pickup vehicle ahead of us slowed down, leading to a minor collision. The pickup van driver threatened us. Later, near Nandganj, a stone was hurled at the bus’s side window, causing the driver to lose control. The bus hit the divider and overturned multiple times.”Ghazipur district magistrate Avinash Kumar said, “There were 48 passengers on board. A detailed probe has been ordered into the incident. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for hurling the stone.”Police and local authorities carried out rescue operations with the help of locals.Union minister of State for AYUSH and health, Prataprao Jadhav, contacted the Uttar Pradesh govt and district administration and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.A team from Delhi has also been dispatched to assist the victims, while continuous coordination is being maintained with local authorities.
