December 27, 2024: A tragic bus accident in Punjab’s Bathinda district has claimed the lives of eight people, while 18 others are undergoing treatment for injuries at Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital.

The accident occurred on Friday near Jiwan Singh Wala village when a private bus traveling from Talwandi Sabo to Bathinda city lost control, skidded off a bridge, and plunged into a drain. According to Bathinda Urban MLA Jagroop Singh Gill, five victims died on the spot, while three succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Rescue operations are being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and villagers, with top civil and police officials overseeing the efforts. District officials reported heavy rains at the time of the accident, which may have contributed to the tragedy.

Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, stating that the bus crashed through the bridge railing before plunging into the drain. Villagers nearby rushed to the scene, managing to save several lives before emergency teams arrived.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray commended the villagers for their swift response and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and the total number of passengers onboard.

Senior Superintendent of Police Amneet Kondal and other district officials were also present at the site to monitor the rescue and recovery operations.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. MLA Jagroop Singh Gill assured that health officials are working diligently to provide medical care to the injured.