A tractor overturned and landed in a pond killing at least 15 people and injuring 10 others in India this morning.

The farm vehicle was dragging a trailer with Hindu devotees crammed on the back as it travelled to the Ganges river, where believers dip in the 'holy water'.

But the driver reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming car and lost control before crashing on the Patiyali-Daryaganj road in Kadarganj, Uttar Pradesh at around 10 am local time.

Seven children and eight women were among those killed.

Officials said the accident happened when the devotees were going to the Ganges on the auspicious day of Magh Purnima to partake in a holy bath, a ritual dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu.

They said the district hospital in Patiyali is currently providing treatment to victims, some of whom have been referred to other medical facilities.

Onlookers said locals began jumping into the water to rescue the devotees.

The District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and other law enforcement and administrative personnel later arrived at the scene.

Distraught relatives were seen breaking down in tears at the site of the accident.

Inspector General of Police Aligarh Range said at least 15 people were killed. The total is understood to have increased.

Dr. Rajeev Aggarwal from the Patiyali Community Health Center said the others who were injured patients were transported to the district hospital by ambulance.

Authorities have cautioned that the number of fatalities may increase as the situation unfolds.

In a video clip panicked locals can be seen rushing to the site amid rescue efforts with traffic coming to a halt.

The footage showed an earth mover at the site with dozens of residents thronging to the site to witness the rescue of the devotees including children.

The men can also be seen in the knee-deep waters near the tractor amid the combing operation.

'There were children as well,' a man can be heard saying in one of the videos.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his 'heartfelt condolences' to the families of the victims, expressing 'profound sorrow' over the tragic incident.

He announced a compensation of Two Lakh (1,903 GBP) for the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 Rupees (475 GBP) for the injured.

The Chief Minister said he had directed officials in the Kasganj district to ensure that the accident victims receive prompt and adequate medical attention.

Adityanath also instructed them to mobilise resources for immediate assistance at the site, located within the jurisdiction of the Patiyali police station in Kasganj, and emphasised the need for a 'swift response in terms of rescue operations'.

He added: 'The loss of lives in a road accident in Kasganj district is extremely heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved family.

'District administration officials have been instructed to provide proper free treatment to all the injured. It is a prayer to Lord Shri Ram to grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured.'