The accident was caused when the truck driver reportedly fell asleep; locals allegedly ignored the victims’ cries and took away the goats
NEW DELHI/KAUSHAMBI — A road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district turned chaotic after a pickup truck carrying goats overturned, leaving one person dead and three others seriously injured. The incident took place in the Kokhraj police station area near Tedi Mod, where the vehicle reportedly lost control and overturned due to driver fatigue.
According to preliminary information, the goats were being transported for sale ahead of Bakrid. Police said the driver is believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. The impact was severe, with the pickup later crashing into a stationary truck, leaving its front portion badly damaged.
Following the accident, several goats died on the spot, while many others scattered across the road. The injured occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were reportedly calling for help.
However, the situation on the ground soon took a disturbing turn. Videos circulating on social media show people from nearby areas gathering at the scene, but instead of assisting the injured, many were seen allegedly picking up goats and taking them away. Eyewitness accounts suggest that even dead goats were lifted and carried off by some individuals, creating further chaos at the accident site.
Emergency responders and police later reached the location and managed to control the situation. The injured were rescued after considerable effort and shifted to a medical college for treatment. One of the injured, identified as Ashok, aged 30, succumbed to his injuries during treatment, while three others remain in critical condition.
The injured include Vijay and Naeem from Fatehpur district, and Guddu from Jharkhand. According to reports, the group was involved in the goat trade, having earlier travelled to Jharkhand for the sale and purchase of livestock ahead of Bakrid.
Police have confirmed that the accident occurred early on Saturday morning when the driver, travelling through Kakorha village area, reportedly dozed off. The vehicle first went off balance, overturned, and then collided with a parked truck.
After receiving information, Kokhraj police reached the spot, pulled out the injured after significant effort, and sent them for medical treatment. The deceased’s body was sent for post-mortem examination after the necessary legal formalities.
Authorities also arranged for the remaining goats to be secured in a nearby orchard to prevent further loss. The area remained tense for some time due to the crowding and confusion following the accident.
Police have initiated further investigation into both the cause of the accident and the reports of alleged looting at the scene. Officials are also reviewing viral video footage to identify individuals involved in the incident.
The tragic accident has left one family in mourning while raising serious questions about human behaviour in moments of crisis, as rescue efforts were reportedly overshadowed by chaotic scenes at the site.
