Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
A 24-year-old youth from Haryana was killed and three Punjabi youths were seriously injured in a road accident on Highway 5 near Merritt in British Columbia, Canada, on Saturday morning. Preliminary information suggests that a 22-year-old driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was driving on the wrong side of the highway when his vehicle collided head-on with the car carrying the four Indian youths.
The deceased has been identified as Jaskirat Singh, a resident of Rattak village in Karnal district, Haryana. His parents identified his body. The identities of the three injured youths have not yet been made public.
According to preliminary reports, Jaskirat and his three friends had left Surrey for Edmonton at around 5 am in a white Toyota car. When they were near Merritt on Highway 5, a 22-year-old Caucasian man driving a black Toyota Tacoma allegedly approached from the wrong direction and crashed into their vehicle.
The impact was so severe that both vehicles were completely wrecked. Jaskirat died in the accident, while his three friends sustained serious injuries.
Two of the injured youths are reportedly in critical condition and were airlifted to hospitals in Kelowna and Kamloops for treatment. One of them reportedly required an artificial ostomy bag following the injuries. The third injured youth was admitted to a nearby hospital.
Police have arrested the 22-year-old driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Further details about the investigation have not yet been disclosed.
Family Seeks Help to Bring Body Back to India
Jaskirat was the only son of his farmer parents and is survived by his mother, father and sister. His sudden death has left the family devastated.
Friends and relatives have launched a fundraising appeal on GoFundMe to help transport his mortal remains to India for his parents and support the injured youths with their medical expenses.
According to his family, Jaskirat was in Canada under refugee status, and his case was cleared by the Immigration and Refugee Board last week. The development had raised hopes that he would soon obtain permanent residency in Canada.
However, the road accident cut short his life just as he was looking forward to a more secure future. His family and friends are now seeking financial assistance to bring his body home and help his injured companions recover.
