LUCKNOW: As many as six persons returning from a pilgrimage in Ambedkar Nagar died while ten others sustained serious injuries after the van they were traveling in got hit by an unidentified vehicle on Gonda-Bahraich national highway under Payagpur police station area of the district.
The 16 passengers were returning to their hometown in Kheri. The deceased have been identified as Chand Khan (51), Shakeel (08), Saleem (60), Sohan (50), an unidentified woman and the driver whose identity is yet to be ascertained.
Police said that all the identified victims were residents of Singahi police station area of Kheri.
Superintendent of police, Bahraich, Vipin Mishra said that the 16 passengers were returning from visit to a dargah in Kichaucha area of Ambedkar Nagar in a van around 12am on Monday. When they reached Payagpur, some unidentified vehicle hit their vehicle from behind.
"Two persons died on the spot, including the driver, while four others were declared brought dead to the district hospital," said Mishra.
Vipin Mishra also said that ten others are being treated at the district hospital.