New Delhi, April 23: A devastating multi-vehicle collision near Drummondganj in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, claimed 11 lives on Wednesday evening, April 22, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express deep anguish and announce financial relief from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The tragedy unfolded around 8:20 p.m. when a speeding truck rammed into a car, a Bolero, and a trailer, triggering a fire in an SUV that burned nine occupants alive.

What Happened at Drummondganj

The chain-reaction crash on a highway near Drummondganj, Mirzapur, involved multiple vehicles and resulted in one of the deadliest road accidents in Uttar Pradesh in recent months. A truck lost control and struck a car, a Bolero, and a trailer in quick succession. The impact caused an SUV to catch fire, trapping its occupants inside.

Nine people were burnt alive within the SUV before emergency responders could reach the scene, according to local police. The remaining two fatalities occurred due to injuries sustained in the collision itself.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia from PMNRF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those who sustained injuries in the accident. The relief will be disbursed through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

On social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the mishap in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the quick recovery of the injured.

Chief Minister Yogi and Other Leaders React

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the accident extremely tragic and heart-rending and confirmed that instructions were issued to concerned officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families via his official X account.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the news as extremely heart-wrenching and offered his deepest condolences to the affected families, also praying for the swift recovery of survivors.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief, calling the deaths extremely heart-rending and conveying prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Impact and Road Safety Concerns

The Mirzapur road accident has once again brought India's alarming road safety crisis into sharp focus. According to government data, India records over 1.5 lakh road fatalities annually, making it one of the worst-affected nations globally. Night-time highway accidents involving heavy vehicles remain a leading cause of mass casualties.

The Uttar Pradesh government is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the crash, with authorities likely to examine the truck driver's conduct, road conditions, and vehicle fitness compliance. Locals and highway safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of speed regulations on national highways passing through Mirzapur district.

What Happens Next

Authorities are expected to release the identities of all 11 victims and expedite the disbursement of PMNRF relief to the families. A magisterial inquiry may be ordered to ascertain the exact sequence of events and fix accountability. The injured are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals, and their conditions are being closely monitored by district officials.