Eight devotees killed, 19 injured as bus overturns in Punjab

A tragic road accident in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district claimed the lives of eight devotees and left 19 others injured on Tuesday night, when a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Anandpur Sahib overturned near Himmatpura on the Morinda-Chunni road in the Bassi Pathana area.

According to police, around 40 passengers , all residents of Main Majri village , were travelling back after paying obeisance at Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of Baisakhi . The accident took place around 10 pm when the bus suddenly overturned, reportedly after developing a mechanical fault .

Officials said six passengers died on the spot , including a woman, while 21 others were initially reported injured. Later, two more victims succumbed to injuries , one at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research ( PGIMER ), Chandigarh, and another at a hospital in Mohali’s Phase 6 area, taking the death toll to eight .

The injured were rushed to hospitals in Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana, and Morinda , while critically injured patients were referred to PGIMER Chandigarh for advanced treatment. Locals also rushed to the spot soon after the accident and helped in rescue operations , shifting the injured to nearby hospitals.

Eyewitnesses said the bus overturned suddenly as it was nearing Main Majri village. Authorities have initiated an investigation, though preliminary findings point towards a possible vehicle malfunction.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured support to the affected families. Several political leaders, including Punjab Congress chief and Shiromani Akali Dal representatives, also conveyed condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured .

The tragedy has cast a deep shadow over Main Majri village , where almost every household has been touched by the incident.