Three women killed as tractor-trolley plunges into canal in Kushinagar

Three women died and 16 others were injured when a tractor-trolley carrying devotees overturned into a canal in Kushinagar district on Wednesday.

Three women lost their lives and 16 others were injured after a tractor-trolley carrying devotees overturned and plunged into a 30-feet-deep canal in Kushinagar district on Wednesday night, officials said.

Three women killed as tractor-trolley plunges into canal in Kushinagar

The devotees were travelling from Mamkhor Barhara village under the jurisdiction of Ghughuli Police Station in Maharajganj district to Bhainsa Ghat on the Narayani river for a holy dip on the occasion of Chaitra Navami when the accident occurred near Khadda town around 8 pm .

According to officials, preliminary findings suggest that the hook connecting the tractor and trolley snapped, causing the vehicle to lose balance and fall into the Gandak Canal.

Circle officer Khadda, Ramveer Singh, confirmed that at least 25 devotees were on board at the time of the accident. “Three women died and around 16 to 18 others were injured when the tractor-trolley overturned and fell into the canal,” he said.

The deceased have been identified as Vimla Devi (45), Meera Devi (57), and Srimati Devi (51). Officials said they succumbed to injuries during treatment at Kushinagar Medical College.

Khadda station house officer Sandeep Singh said that some passengers managed to jump off the trolley and save themselves. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination.

The incident triggered panic in the area, prompting a swift rescue operation by local residents and police. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap.