A private double-decker bus travelling from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh towards Punjab overturned in Sambhal district early Sunday, leaving three passengers dead and more than 25 others injured, according to police officials. The bus was reportedly carrying around 150 people, including several migrant workers returning to Punjab after visiting their native places.

The accident took place in the Chandausi tehsil area of Sambhal when the bus reportedly veered off its course, struck a central road divider and overturned. The sudden crash caused panic among passengers, with several people becoming trapped inside the vehicle following the impact.

Police officials said a preliminary investigation suggested that the driver may have dozed off while driving, resulting in the bus losing control. The vehicle was travelling at speed when it reportedly hit the divider before toppling over, leading to multiple casualties and injuries.

Emergency services and local authorities were alerted soon after the accident. Rescue efforts were launched to evacuate passengers from the overturned bus and provide immediate medical assistance to those injured. The injured passengers were taken to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.

The bus was carrying a large number of passengers, with officials estimating the total number at around 150. Among those travelling were migrant workers heading back to Punjab after spending time in their hometowns in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring areas. The large passenger load added to the scale of the emergency response following the crash.

The initial death toll was reported at two, but the number later increased to three after another injured passenger succumbed to critical injuries during treatment.

The deceased were identified as 17-year-old Neha, daughter of Gangaram from Gajapur in Bahraich; 36-year-old Pintu, son of Lallan Singh from Gonda; and 35-year-old Rishabh Singh, son of Shiv Kumar Singh from Shankarpur in Bahraich.

According to medical officials, Neha and Pintu were declared dead upon arrival at the Bahjoi Community Health Centre. Rishabh Singh, who had sustained serious injuries in the crash, later died while undergoing treatment.

More than 25 passengers were reported to have suffered injuries in the accident. The injured were shifted to medical facilities for treatment, with authorities assessing the severity of their conditions. The extent of injuries varied among the passengers, according to officials.

Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Manoj Rawat said preliminary findings indicated that the driver may have fallen asleep moments before the accident. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash to establish the exact sequence of events.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety, particularly the risks associated with long-distance passenger travel and driver fatigue. Accidents involving heavily occupied buses can have severe consequences, especially when vehicles are travelling at high speeds on highways or major roads.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the accident, including examining the condition of the bus, the driver’s fitness and the circumstances leading up to the vehicle striking the divider. Further details may emerge as the investigation progresses and statements from passengers and witnesses are recorded.

The crash has left families mourning the loss of three passengers while raising concerns over the safety of those who regularly depend on private buses for long-distance travel between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The incident also underscores the importance of strict enforcement of road safety regulations, adequate rest for drivers and regular monitoring of vehicles operating on inter-state routes.