Jasveer Singh
Punjab Bus-Truck Crash : 5 Dead, 30 Injured as Bus Collides with Truck, Falls into Drain in Punjab’s Faridkot
Faridkot, Punjab – A Tragic Road Mishap
Punjab Bus-Truck Crash : A horrific road accident in Punjab’s Faridkot district has left five people dead and at least 30 others injured after a passenger bus collided head-on with a truck and plunged into a roadside drain. The tragic incident occurred early Monday morning on the Kotkapura-Moga highway, causing chaos and grief among the victims’ families and local residents.
Details of the Incident : Punjab Bus-Truck Crash
According to eyewitnesses, the private bus, which was en route to Moga from Faridkot, was traveling at a considerable speed when it collided with an oncoming truck. The impact of the collision was so severe that the bus lost control and veered off the road before overturning into a drain.
Emergency responders, including the police and medical teams, rushed to the scene to rescue the passengers trapped inside the wreckage. Local residents also played a crucial role in pulling out survivors before ambulances arrived.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities have confirmed that five people lost their lives on the spot, while around 30 passengers sustained injuries, some of them critically. The injured were immediately transported to the Civil Hospital in Faridkot, with a few being referred to larger medical centers in Ludhiana and Chandigarh due to the severity of their wounds.
Doctors treating the injured reported that several passengers suffered fractures, head injuries, and trauma, requiring intensive medical care.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts : Punjab Bus-Truck Crash
An eyewitness, Ramesh Kumar, who was traveling on a two-wheeler nearby, described the accident as horrifying. “The crash was so loud that I stopped my bike and saw the bus skidding off the road and falling into the drain. People were screaming for help. Some of us immediately rushed to the spot and started helping the injured,” he recounted.
The rescue operation continued for several hours, with authorities using cranes and rescue tools to pull the damaged vehicles from the drain.
Possible Causes of the Accident
While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, initial reports suggest that overspeeding, poor visibility due to early morning fog, and possible driver fatigue could have contributed to the crash. Police officials are also examining whether either driver was under the influence of any intoxicants.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajinder Singh stated, “We are conducting a thorough investigation, including checking CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning survivors and eyewitnesses. Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence.”
Government Response and Compensation
Following the accident, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured financial aid to the affected families. The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has also directed an inquiry into the road conditions and vehicle fitness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Concerns Over Road Safety
This accident has once again raised concerns over road safety in Punjab, where high-speed collisions and reckless driving are common issues. Experts have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, regular vehicle maintenance checks, and better highway patrolling to prevent such mishaps.
Traffic safety advocate Rajesh Khanna commented, “There needs to be stricter monitoring of speed limits and heavy penalties for reckless driving. Additionally, transport companies must ensure their drivers are well-rested before long journeys.”
Community Mourning and Funeral Preparations
As the families of the deceased prepare for funerals, the entire Faridkot community is mourning the loss of lives in the tragic accident. Grieving relatives gathered outside the hospital, anxiously waiting for updates on the injured.
Local religious organizations and NGOs have stepped forward to provide support, including arranging blood donations for those undergoing surgeries and offering food and shelter for victims’ families.
Conclusion
This devastating accident in Punjab’s Faridkot serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety measures. As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, families of the victims and the injured are left grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. With increased government focus on traffic regulations and stricter enforcement, it is hoped that such heartbreaking incidents can be prevented in the future.
