LUCKNOW: The death toll in tractor-trolley accident in Hardoi went up to eight after seven more bodies were recovered on Sunday.
A tractor-trolley carrying at least 22 people had plunged into Garrah river after hitting a bridge railing on the Shahabad road of the district on Saturday.
District magistrate, Hardoi, Avinash Kumar clarified that on Saturday the villagers had informed the officials that 20 passengers were on the tractor but after seven more bodies were recovered, they confirmed that the number was 22. Kumar also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
The accident victims were identified as tractor driver Mukesh Saxena (28), Amit (22), Mukesh Kumar (30), Narendra (22), Rinku (30), Ram Kripal (20), Hari Sharan (45), and Narendra Verma (34). All were residents of Begrajpur village in Pali police station area of Hardoi. All of them were farmers.
Inspector general, Lucknow range, Laxmi Singh, who supervised the 20-hour rescue operation which also comprised teams of NDRF, SDRF, told TOI that the bodies of all missing persons had been recovered.
From Saturday evening to Sunday noon, residents of Begrajpur village did not cook food as a mark of solidarity with the missing persons. For the farmers who swam out of the river, the memories of the tragic incident would remain etched on their minds.
Ramrahis, who swam to safety, said the incident took place after one of the axles of the tractor broke down. “I realised it was an accident when I hit the railing. Before I could react, I fell into the river” he said.
“All I recall is that the front wheel of the tractor broke and by the time the driver could apply brake, the vehicle hit the railing of the bridge,” said Ramdhuni, a survivor. His cousin Ajaypal who was also with him, was shifted to district hospital.
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