Tragic Bus Accident Claims 8 Lives as Private Bus Falls into Punjab Canal
Eight passengers lost their lives in a devastating bus accident that occurred in Punjab, India. The private bus, carrying approximately 35 people, veered off the road and plummeted into the Sirhind feeder canal in Muktsar district. The incident took place near Jhabelwali village on the Muktsar-Kotkapura road, and it was raining at the time.
Authorities reported that the tragedy unfolded when the driver applied the brakes, causing the bus to skid off the road. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was immediately summoned to conduct rescue operations. The bus had been en route from Muktsar to Kotkapura when the accident occurred.
Rescue teams fear that some passengers may have been swept away by the powerful current of water in the canal. Efforts are underway to locate those who are still missing, with Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Ruhee Dugg leading the rescue operation. The bus has been successfully retrieved from the canal with the assistance of a crane, and injured passengers have been rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The exact number of passengers on the bus remained unclear, with the bus operator estimating it to be around 35. Local villagers demonstrated immense courage and compassion, mobilizing to rescue the stranded passengers after the accident.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his concern and provided constant updates on the ongoing rescue operation. He emphasized that the district administration was diligently working at the accident site to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims.
This tragic incident serves as a prominent reminder of the criticality of road safety and the importance of taking appropriate precautions, especially during adverse weather conditions. Investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends of those affected by this devastating bus accident. May they find strength during this difficult time.
