1st LD Writethru: 6 mowed down by speeding bus in northern India

NEW DELHI, May 2 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were mowed down by a speeding bus in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Wednesday, police said.

"The accident occurred when the bus ran over eight people who were crossing the road on a state highway in Barabanki district. While four people died on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries on the way to hospital, where two others are undergoing treatment," a police official said.

Eye-witnesses told cops that the bus was travelling at high speed and the driver failed to apply brakes, leading to the accident.

Enraged over the accident, local people blocked roads in the area for nearly an hour before cops pacified them. "The protestors dispersed only after assurance of action against the speeding vehicles on the highway," the police officer said.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, the official said. "A manhunt has been launched to track down the bus driver who fled the spot after the accident and left the vehicle behind. He has been booked for rash and negligent driving," he added.

India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world. Road accidents occur mostly due to poor driving or badly maintained roads or vehicles. Enditem