Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
An elderly man was crushed to death by a speeding truck at the busy Workshop Chowk in Jalandhar on Friday while he was on his way to work on a bicycle. The truck driver fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle, triggering anger among local residents over the alleged delay in the arrival of police and emergency services.
According to information, the elderly man had left home on his bicycle for work, as he did every day. When he reached near Workshop Chowk, a speeding truck approaching from behind hit him with tremendous force, throwing him under its heavy wheels. He died on the spot due to the severity of the impact.
Immediately after the accident, the truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled from the scene. The truck involved in the accident reportedly bears Punjab registration number PB 08 DS 2953.
Following the incident, a large crowd of commuters and local residents gathered at the spot, disrupting traffic in the busy area. The accident also sparked resentment among people over what they described as a delay in the arrival of the police and ambulance services.
The deceased could not be identified immediately as no identity card or mobile phone was found on him. He was carrying only a lunchbox containing a roti and his bicycle.
Locals alleged that timely medical assistance might have offered the elderly man a chance of survival. The ambulance staff initiated the process of shifting the body for post-mortem examination only after the police reached the spot.
Police have initiated further proceedings in the case, while efforts are expected to be made to establish the identity of the deceased and trace the absconding truck driver.
