Smog effect: Punjab shuts schools for three days

Owing to poor weather conditions caused due to smog, the state government took the decision

All government, private aided and recognised schools of Punjab will remain closed for three days from November 9 to 11, owing to the mishaps taking place due to dense fog and inclement weather.

HT file photo

Punjab education minister Aruna Chaudhary announced the decision.

On Wednesday, nine people, including eight students, waiting by the roadside near Bhucho town, 10km from Bathinda city on the Chandigarh-Bathinda road, were crushed to death when a tipper truck — speeding even as smog had caused poor visibility — ran over them.

The students had alighted from a private bus that had collided with a Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) bus ahead of it a few minutes before, again due to smog. Due to the accident, two jeeps also collided, resulting in a pile-up.

A number of smog-related accidents are being reported everyday from across North India.