At least 18 people were killed and more than 25 others injured in a major road mishap in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh early this morning, a police official said.

"The mishap happened when a speeding passenger bus collided head-on with a mini-truck coming from the opposite direction in the Lakahooti area of the state's Bulandshahar district. Most of the victims were on the mini-truck and returning from a funeral when the mishap took place," he said.

While 18 people were killed on the spot, the injured have been admitted to a local hospital, the official said, adding that the driver of the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand Roadways' bus could manage to flee.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, he added.

India has one of the world's highest road tolls, with over 110, 000 people killed every year in accidents.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)