NEW DELHI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and five others injured Wednesday when a speeding truck hit an auto-rickshaw in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The accident took place in Kursana village of Jaunpur district, about 260 km southwest of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

"Today in a tragic road accident here, a truck hit an auto-rickshaw in which six people were killed and five others injured," a police official posted in Jaunpur said. "The injured were removed to hospital in critical condition."

Eyewitnesses told police that the speeding truck hit the auto-rickshaw from behind and crushed it under the wheels.

According to police, the truck was later removed with the help of crane.

"Preliminary reports said the accident took place after driver lost control over the vehicle when one of its tyres bursted," the police official said.

Following the accident, police officials rushed to the spot to oversee rescue work.

The victims were identified as local residents.

Local media reports said some people smashed windscreen of an ambulance and thrashed its staff for reaching the spot late.

Police have registered a case and ordered investigations into the accident.