- 8 pilgrims killed, 25 injured in road accident
- Victims returning from Baisakhi Mela at Anandpur Sahib
- Bus overturned after hitting electric pole
- PM Modi expresses grief, probe initiated
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 15th April: At least eight pilgrims were killed and 25 others injured after a mini-bus overturned in the Bassi Pathana area of Fatehgarh Sahib district in Punjab on Tuesday night, police said.
The victims were returning from Anandpur Sahib after attending the Baisakhi Mela when the accident occurred around 10:30 pm on the Chunni-Morinda road.
The vehicle was carrying around 30–35 passengers.
Preliminary reports suggest that the driver lost control of the bus, which crashed into an electric pole and overturned. Survivors told police that a possible axle failure may have led to the mishap.
Six passengers died on the spot, while two others succumbed to injuries during treatment.
The injured were rushed to government hospitals in Fatehgarh Sahib, with several critically injured referred to Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, saying he was pained by the loss of lives and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal also expressed grief, praying for peace for the deceased and recovery of those injured.
Police have launched an investigation to determine whether the accident was caused by mechanical failure or driver negligence.
