Three individuals, including a bus conductor and a student from Lovely Professional University (LPU), died and 24 others sustained injuries when a private bus carrying passengers overturned near Majari village on the Banga-Phagwara National Highway early Monday morning. The bus was en route from Manali to Amritsar.
The Chenab Times has learned that the accident occurred around 4:30 am. The private company bus, reportedly carrying a significant number of LPU students and other tourists returning from a trip to Manali, overturned after crossing the Banga flyover. The vehicle is said to have fallen from the bridge during its descent, resulting in several passengers being trapped and injured.
The deceased have been identified as bus conductor Khem Singh and LPU student Jashina Joseph. The identity of the third deceased person is yet to be confirmed by authorities. Of the 24 injured passengers, 21 reportedly suffered minor injuries, while three sustained severe injuries.
Emergency services, including police and rescue teams, were promptly dispatched to the accident site upon receiving information. Rescue operations were initiated immediately to assist those trapped and injured. The injured were transported to the Civil Hospital in Banga and Guru Nanak Mission Hospital at Dahan Kaleran for medical attention.
Among the critically injured, Jatin and Sanjay have been referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC) in Ludhiana for specialized treatment. Vishal Tulli, a resident of Amritsar and another passenger with serious injuries, is currently receiving treatment at Guru Nanak Mission Hospital in Dahan Kaleran. Reports indicated that initially, one student was unaccounted for, though further verification was pending.
Local residents present at the scene suggested that the bus driver might have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the loss of control as the vehicle descended from the bridge. However, official investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The Chenab Times News Desk