13 killed in Uttar Pradesh bus accident

LUCKNOW - At least 13 people were killed and over 20 others were injured when the bus they were travelling in spun out of control and fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district Saturday, police said.

“The accident took place in the Kapsethi area when the bus fell into the Varuna river. Till now 13 people have died,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Ram Araj told IANS over phone from Varanasi, some 300 km from here.

“The injured are being treated in different hospitals and community health centres. Around 10 people, who have received critical injuries, have been admitted to the hospital of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU),” he added.

According to eyewitnesses, the bus spun out of control, smashing the railing of a bridge, and fell into the river from a height of around 25-30 feet.

“We are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the accident,” said Superintendent of Police Vijay Bhushan.

Police believe most of passengers in the bus were residents of Varanasi.