Lucknow: A tragic road accident occurred on the newly opened Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway on just the second day of its operation. Despite a ban on two-wheelers, two youths riding a motorcycle—in violation of the rules—were struck by a speeding, unidentified vehicle on Wednesday evening within the Banthra police station area. Both youths died on the spot in the horrific accident. Upon receiving information about the incident, police and UPEIDA teams arrived at the scene, took possession of the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem examinations. The police are currently scanning footage from CCTV cameras installed on the expressway and in the surrounding areas to identify the unknown vehicle.
According to available information, this is the first major accident since the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway was opened to general traffic. On Wednesday evening, the two youths entered the expressway on a motorcycle, even though the entry of two-wheelers, bicycles, e-rickshaws, tractors, and slow-moving vehicles is strictly prohibited on this route for safety reasons. Preliminary investigations suggest that the youths had accessed the expressway via a cut or a service road.
Eyewitnesses reported that the youths were traveling along the expressway when a speeding, unidentified vehicle struck their motorcycle from behind. The impact was so severe that both youths were thrown several meters away and died at the scene due to critical injuries. The vehicle involved in the collision fled the spot immediately after the accident.
Police from the Banthra station arrived promptly upon being informed of the accident. They inspected the scene, collected necessary evidence, and took custody of the bodies for post-mortem examination. The deceased were identified, and their families were notified. The news of the accident caused great distress among the families, who rushed to the hospital and the accident site.
Police officials stated that, prima facie, the incident appears to be a collision caused by a speeding vehicle. Recordings from CCTV cameras installed on the expressway are being examined to identify the vehicles that passed through the area at the time of the accident. Additionally, footage from toll plazas and other surveillance cameras is being examined. Once the vehicle is identified, legal action will be taken against its driver.
This accident has raised several questions regarding safety measures and adherence to traffic rules on the expressway. At the time of the expressway’s inauguration, it was clearly stated that this is a high-speed, controlled-access route where only specific categories of four-wheelers and heavy vehicles are permitted. Two-wheelers, pedestrians, and other slow-moving vehicles are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Despite this, the presence of a motorcycle on the expressway casts doubt on the effectiveness of the safety arrangements.
Traffic experts note that vehicle speeds on expressways are significantly higher than on standard highways. Consequently, the entry of two-wheelers poses a serious threat not only to the riders themselves but also to other motorists. This is why the entry of motorcycles and other slow-moving vehicles is banned on most expressways across the country.
Following the incident, the police and relevant agencies have appealed to the public to strictly adhere to the rules governing the expressway. Officials stated that the entry of prohibited vehicles is strictly forbidden and that disregarding these regulations can prove fatal. Plans are also underway to tighten surveillance at all entry and exit points to prevent such incidents in the future.
The local administration stated that all aspects of the accident are being investigated. Authorities are trying to determine the route the two youths took to reach the expressway and whether a security lapse allowed them entry. If the investigation reveals negligence at any level, appropriate action will be taken against the officials responsible.
Currently, the police are searching for the unidentified vehicle and its driver. The investigation is proceeding based on CCTV footage, technical evidence, and other leads. Meanwhile, formalities regarding the post-mortem examination and the handing over of the bodies to the families are being completed. This tragic accident has once again underscored the message that adhering to prescribed traffic rules on expressways is not merely a legal obligation but is also crucial for the safety of life.
