Daijiworld Media Network – Amethi

Amethi, Jun 15: In a tragic mishap that unfolded on the Purvanchal Expressway early Sunday, five people lost their lives when an ambulance carrying a body from Haryana to Bihar collided with a pick-up van, police sources confirmed.

The fatal accident occurred near the Bazar Shukul police station limits in Amethi district, when the speeding ambulance reportedly rammed into the rear of the pick-up vehicle. The impact of the collision was devastating, resulting in the deaths of five passengers traveling in the ambulance, while one sustained critical injuries.

According to SHO Abhinesh Kumar, the injured has been identified as Shambhu Rai, a native of Samastipur district in Bihar, who has been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.
Police have identified the deceased as:

• Rajkumar Sharma alias Satish Sharma,

• Ravi Sharma,

• Phoolo Sharma – all from Samastipur, Bihar, and

• Sarfaraz and Abid – the two drivers hailing from Haryana.

As per Additional Superintendent of Police Shailendra Kumar Singh, the ambulance was en route to Samastipur, Bihar, transporting the mortal remains of Ashok Sharma, a resident of Rambhadrapur. Four family members along with two drivers were on board at the time of the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the ambulance collided into the pick-up van from behind, indicating a possible case of overspeeding or driver fatigue.

The bodies of the deceased have been sent for postmortem, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the crash.

This unfortunate incident has once again raised concerns over safety on expressways and the need for heightened caution while driving long-distance medical vehicles.