4 Govardhan-bound pilgrims killed, 7 injured in road mishap

Mathura (UP), Oct 16: Four pilgrims were killed and seven others were injured when their vehicle collided head-on with a minibus near Ekta Goshala in Govardhan area, about 14 km from here, police said today.

"The accident occurred when thes minibus without proper route permit coming from Govardhan rammed into the Govardhan-bound pilgrim-laden Bolero, resulting in injury to 11 pilgrims at around 2.30 AM last night," Dy SP Ajay Kumar said, adding the driver of the minibus was drousy and took the wrong side resulting in collision.

While four pilgrims, including driver of the Bolero succumbed to their injuries on way to hospital, seven injured are recovering in the hospital, Chief Medical Superintendent of the district hospital Dr Amitab Pandey said, adding the injured are out of danger.

The deceased have been identified as Pushpa Raj (30), Seema (30), Jitendra Sharma (38) and the driver of Bolero Brajesh alias Lala, all residents of Sabalgarh of Morena district in Madhya Pradesh.

They were on pilgrimage for circumbulation of hillock in Govardhan, Kumar said. He said police have seized the minibus and efforts are on to nab its driver who fled from the scene of the accident. Police is mulling to take stern action against drivers for illegal travel to Govardhan, he added.

PTI