Punjab Newsline | Sangrur
Three passengers were killed and 26 others injured after a Punjab Roadways (PRTC) bus travelling from Sangrur to Chandigarh overturned near an overbridge on the Bathinda-Chandigarh National Highway in Sangrur early Wednesday morning.
The deceased have been identified as two women from Dhuri and 55-year-old Manjeet Singh, a resident of Thales. Of the 26 injured passengers, 10 have been referred to other hospitals for specialised treatment, while 16 are undergoing treatment at the local Civil Hospital. Several injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition.
According to preliminary information, the bus departed from Sangrur for Chandigarh at around 4:30 am. Shortly afterwards, near an overbridge close to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence, the bus reportedly hit the corner of the bridge.
The driver lost control, following which the vehicle veered off the paved road, entered roadside bushes and crashed into trees.
The impact was so severe that the front and rear windshields of the bus were completely shattered, leaving several passengers seriously injured.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Those requiring advanced medical care have been referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, while the remaining passengers are being treated at the local Civil Hospital.
Police have registered a case against the bus driver on the statement of Vinay Kumar, a passenger who was travelling to Chandigarh for coaching. Further investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident is underway.
