Meerut: A dozen kanwariyas were injured on Thursday as a petrol pump shed fell over them following heavy rains in Muzaffarnagar’s Khatauli region. According to police sources, around 100 devotees had taken shelter at an abandoned petrol pump during the rains when the shed suddenly came crashing down.Superintendent of city (SP), city, Omvir Singh said, “We rushed to the spot immediately and rescued the pilgrims. Around 12 of them were injured in the accident. All of them were sent to the hospital. Five among them were later referred to a Meerut hospital for further treatment.”According to official figures, close to 400 pilgrims were admitted in various Muzaffarnagar hospitals since Sunday due to accidents and diseases. “We are on special alert during this time. More than 400 kanwariyas have been admitted to the district hospital since Sunday. While some had accidents others were suffering from exhaustion and other ailments,” said PS Mishra, chief medical officer (CMO), Muzaffarnagar.Accidents, incidentally, have been rampant despite heavy police and paramilitary force deployed on the roads to man traffic. According to policeman, who did not wish to be named, “Despite route diversions and proper management of traffic, accidents keep happening with high decibel music often disturbing people on the road.”Two kanwariyas died near Modipuram (10 kms before Meerut city) when a mini truck banged into the trolley they were travelling in on Thursday. According to police sources, the two kanwariyas were taking shelter under the trolley to protect themselves from heavy rain when a speeding mini truck hit the trolley.

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