LUCKNOW, April 29 -- Around 55 passengers were injured after an overloaded private bus travelling from Ludhiana to Azamgarh overturned on the Purvanchal Expressway in the early hours of Tuesday. The accident occurred near Pure Chaturi ka Purwa in the Dhanpatganj area of the Sultanpur district when the bus reportedly lost control, hit the divider and flipped over. According to preliminary findings, the bus was carrying nearly 100 passengers, far exceeding its capacity, and was being driven at high speed. Passengers alleged that the vehicle was being handled by the helper (Khalasi) during parts of the journey. They also claimed the bus had developed technical issues earlier, including a tyre puncture. Sultanpur district magistrate Indrajeet Singh and superintendent of police Charu Nigam reached the medical college to assess the situation and directed doctors to ensure proper treatment for the injured. "The incident occurred around 6 am. As many as36 injured were brought to the Kurebhar Community Health Centre. A 5-year-old girl is seriously injured and has been admitted to the medical college," DM added. Police said around 13 critically injured patients were referred to the government medical college in Sultanpur. All are currently undergoing treatment. Station house officer Anju Mishra said timely medical assistance was provided and the injured were rushed to hospitals without delay. "The exact cause of the accident is being investigated," she said. Officials added that the accident may have been triggered by driver fatigue or drowsiness, along with overloading and negligent driving. Both the driver and the helper fled the spot after the incident and are currently absconding. Eyewitness Kailash, a resident of Jaunpur travelling in the bus, said most passengers were asleep when the vehicle suddenly swerved and overturned. "Before anyone could react, the bus had already flipped," he said, adding that belongings were scattered across the road, triggering panic among passengers. Among the seriously injured are Saniya from Azamgarh, Mitthu from Atraulia, Manisha, Nirmala, Rajneesh and Sheela Devi from Jaunpur. Officials said passengers from Sultanpur, Azamgarh, Jaunpur and Ambedkar Nagar were on board. Arrangements were later made to send stranded passengers to their destinations using roadways buses....