Lucknow, Feb 9 (IANS) The death toll in Monday’s accident where a tractor-trolley skidded off a road and fell into a deep, water-filled ditch in Uttar Pradesh, rose to 24 Tuesday, police said. The victims were 15 children and nine women.
The incident took place in Pisawan town in Sitapur district, around 80 km from Lucknow.

“We have learnt that from 18 the death toll has now risen to 24 including 15 children and nine women,” Deputy Superintendent of Police M.P. Singh told reporters Tuesday in Sitapur.

“Eight people, including the driver of the tractor-trolley, injured in the accident are battling for life in the Sitapur district hospital,” he added.

According to police, those riding the tractor trolley were relatives. They were returning from Mishrikh town in Sitapur after attending a family function.

“Majority of the people died either because they drowned or after they were crushed under the tractor-trolley,” said Singh.

District Police Chief Amitabh Yash told IANS on phone: “It appears that the accident occurred while the driver of the tractor-trolley tried to overtake a vehicle. In the process, he lost control and the vehicle fell into a water-filled ditch along the road.”

Survivors of the accident alleged delay in carrying out rescue operations. “It was nearly two hours before the first ambulance and the doctors came to offer medical assistance,” said Harimohan, who was in the tractor-trolley at the time of the accident.

“Had the team of doctors arrived on time, many lives could have been saved,” he said.