UP BJP MLA dies in road crash on way to Investors' Summit

Sitapur (UP): BJP MLA Lokendra Singh, who was on his way to attend the UP Investors’ Summit in Lucknow, was killed along with three others when their vehicle collided with a truck in Kamlapur area here today, police said.

They said the accident took place when the MLA’s driver lost control of the vehicle, which crossed over to the other side of divider and collided head on with the truck. Besides Singh, the 45-year-old MLA from Noorpur constituency in Bijnore district, his two bodyguards and the truck’s cleaner were also killed, police said. The bodyguards were identified as Deepak Kumar (32) and Brijesh Mishra (30). The drivers of both the truck and MLA’s vehicle were seriously injured and admitted to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the summit, condoled Singh’s death as did Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several cabinet ministers.

“Anguished by the demise of BJP MLA from Noorpur, Shri Lokendra Singh Ji due to an accident. His service towards society and role in building the BJP in UP will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief,” the prime minister said on Twitter. The chief minister and his colleagues said Singh’s death was a loss not only for the party but for society.