Meerut, Aug. 1 -- Three people died and five others were left critically injured when a Mahindra pick-up collided with a height gauge on the Meerut-Baraut road, under the Sarurpur police station limits, on Friday morning.

The pick-up - reportedly modified into a double-decker to accommodate more passengers - was carrying pilgrims to Baba Bagad Dham, in Rajasthan, when the mishap took place near the Hindon river.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep sorrow over the mishap. In an official statement, he conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed district officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also prayed for their swift recovery.

According to the police, the crash occurred between 4:00...