India: At least 26 killed as tractor-trolley carrying devotees falls into pond in Kanpur

Tractor-trolley transporting worshippers toppled and fell into a pond close to a village, leaving at least 26 people dead and several others injured in the Kanpur district of India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

The worshippers rode in the tractor-trolley to the Chandrika Devi temple in Fatehpur. They were all residents of Kortha village, which is within the Sadh police circle. About 40 individuals were riding in the car. Between Sadh and Gambhirpur, the trolley overturned while making its way back and fell into a roadside pond.

The injured were taken urgently to a community health centre (CHC)in Bhitargaon. Senior officials and police have arrived at the scene and are directing the rescue effort.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath have expressed their sorrow over the tragic incident.

PM Modi said in a tweet, "Distressed by the tractor-trolley mishap in Kanpur. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. Prayers with the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected."

"The road accident in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh is very sad and heart-wrenching. The local administration is providing treatment to the injured. I express my condolences on the irreparable loss of those who have lost their loved ones in this incident. May God give strength to his family to bear this loss," Shah said in a tweet.

The chief minister has instructed officials to provide proper treatment to those injured in the accident. Yogi Adityanath also appealed to people to not carry passengers on a tractor-trolley.WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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