In a horrific development, a private bus (PB 11 DB- 6631) went out of control and fell into a drain in Bathinda, Punjab on Friday. In the accident, at least 8 people including the driver died, while more than 24 people got injured. The driver has been identified as Balkar Singh, a resident of Mansa.
The accident took place near Jiwan Singh Wala village. The bus was going from Sardulgarh to Bathinda. There were about 50 people on the bus. After getting information about the accident, the administration and NDRF team reached the spot and started rescue work.
Bathinda DC Showkat Ahmad Parray said that the passengers on the bus said that the driver was driving the bus at a high speed. Then a big trailer came from the front. The bus of Guru Kashi Transport was going towards Bathinda with people.
Near Jeevan Singh Wala village, the bus suddenly went out of control and overturned in the drain. After this, there was a lot of screaming among the people on the bus. As soon as the information was received, the people nearby reached the spot. They also informed the police about it.
AAP MLA Jagroop Singh Gill while talking to the media said, "A tragic incident occurred, resulting in 5 deaths on the spot and 3 more deaths in the hospital. 21 injured individuals were brought to the hospital, with 3 of them succumbing to their injuries. A request has been made to the government for financial assistance for the deceased and injured."
The villagers nearby reached the spot with ladders. The people on the ladder were taken out. The bus was pulled out of the drain with the help of a crane. After this, they were taken to Talwandi Sabo Hospital by ambulance.
DC Showkat Ahmad Parray said that among those who died on the spot include a child, 3 women, and a man.