NEW DELHI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least five people have been killed and 12 others injured in a road accident in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said Thursday.

"The accident occurred near Mohkampur industrial area in the state's Meerut district when a van rammed into several vehicles, including bikers, while attempting to speed away after mowing down a cyclist late Wednesday night," a police official said.

While the cyclist as well as four others died on the spot, those injured had been admitted to a nearby hospital, where the condition of four were said to be serious.

"The bodies of the deceased have been sent for an autopsy," the official added.

Eye-witnesses told cops that the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle while overtaking another vehicle that led to him mowing down the cyclist.

A probe has been ordered into the incident. "The van driver was caught and thrashed by local residents, being handed over to us. We have booked him for rash and negligent driving and mulling whether to press murder charges against him," the official added.

Road accidents occur in India mostly due to poor driving or badly maintained roads and vehicles.