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Punjab: 8 pilgrims killed, 25 injured as mini-bus overturns in Fatehgarh Sahib
President, PM, CM mourn deaths; victims from Main Majri village were returning from Baisakhi Mela at Anandpur Sahib; axle failure suspected as cause of mishap.
At least eight pilgrims were killed and 25 others sustained injuries after a mini-bus overturned in the Bassi Pathana area of Fatehgarh Sahib on Tuesday night.
Police said on Wednesday that the victims were returning from Anandpur Sahib after paying obeisance during the Baisakhi Mela when the accident occurred around 10.30pm on the Chunni-Morinda road. The tragedy occurred just a few kilometres before Main Majri village, where most of the victims resided.
The police identified seven of the eight deceased as Ranjit Kaur, Jagvinder Singh, Iqbal Singh, Lakhvir Singh, Harvir Singh, Pradeep Kaur, and Kulwinder Singh. The identity of the eighth victim is yet to be established.
Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubam Aggarwal noted the cruelty of the timing, stating the accident occurred just as the pilgrims were almost home.
The vehicle was carrying nearly 40 passengers, including children, indicating possible overloading. Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control of the bus, which subsequently crashed into an electric pole and overturned. While the exact cause is under investigation, survivors told police that a broken axle—the shaft supporting the vehicle’s weight—might have triggered the crash.
Six passengers died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
The injured were rushed to government hospitals in Fatehgarh Sahib, with several critically wounded victims referred to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
Despite the casualty count, the police are yet to file a criminal case. “Prima facie, we didn’t find any criminal activity; therefore, we haven’t registered any case so far. We are waiting for the forensic and mechanical reports,” SSP Aggarwal said.
Leaders condole loss of lives
President Droupadi Murmu described the accident as “extremely heartbreaking,” extending her heartfelt condolences to the families and praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss of lives. Taking to X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated: “Pained to hear about the mishap in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
In his condolence message, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said that the state government stands firmly with the victims’ families in this hour of sorrow.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring posted on X: “Deeply saddened... May Waheguru give strength to the bereaved families in this difficult time.”
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia also expressed condolences. Harsimrat wrote on X: “Pained to learn about the tragic road accident in Fatehgarh Sahib where eight pilgrims returning from Sri Anandpur Sahib lost their lives and many were injured. I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured.”
