A private bus carrying passengers from Lakhimpur to Palia in Uttar Pradesh fell into a deep ditch under Palia Kotwali area here, killing three people and injuring over a dozen, police said.

The driver of the bus was killed on the spot while two others died on way to a hospital, they said.

The deceased were identified as Arun Kumar Mishra (35), Ashfaq Ali (60) and Ajit Mishra (18).

Palia kotwali in charge Deepak Shukla said, "10 of the injured were referred to the district hospital while half a dozen others admitted to a local hospital."

The accident took place near Sharda bridge, a few km away from Palia town. The bus driver attempted to give way to a tractor-trolley coming from the opposite direction and lost control over the vehicle.

The steering of the bus was reported to have failed following which it fell into a deep ditch.

Palia Deputy SP Pradip Yadav and kotwali in charge Deepak Shukla rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers, police said.

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