Punjab: 8 people died after a bus fell off a bridge in Bathinda

Punjab: At least eight persons were killed and 26 others injured when a private bus carrying around 45 passengers broke the railing of a bridge and fell into a drain at Jivan Singhwala village, 13 km from here on Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo road today. Five persons died on the spot while three succumbed to their injuries at Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital, Bathinda. The bus belonging to New Guru Kashi Transport Company was on its way from Sardulgarh in Mansa district to Bathinda when it fell into the drain amid heavy rains. DC Shaukat Ahmad Parray and SSP Amneet Kondal along with other officials reached the spot and inspected the rescue operations being carried out by police, NDRF, NGO volunteers and locals. The passengers were pulled out of the partially submerged bus and were rushed to civil hospitals in Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda. The bus was later pulled out with the help of a JCB machine. DC Parray said, “Eight people have been declared dead while 34 are undergoing treatment in hospitals.” Some of the rescued passengers claimed that the bus was moving at a high speed and the driver lost control after a truck came from the opposite direction. The administration is in the process of identifying the deceased. A control room (9780100498 and 9646815951) was set up for the public to get information about the victims. Of the 21 passengers admitted to Bathinda Civil Hospital, three died and two were referred to a private hospital. The condition of 16 others is stable. Of the 13 passengers admitted to the hospital in Talwandi, five were declared dead while one was referred to Bathinda. The DC said investigation is underway to find out the reasons behind the accident.