Punjab Newsline | New Delhi/Fatehgarh Sahib
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident in Fatehgarh Sahib. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Meanwhile, villagers staged a protest when the SDM and other officials reached the accident site. Holding the administration responsible, locals blamed the poor condition of roads for the mishap and raised slogans against the government.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night near Bhateri village in Fatehgarh Sahib, when a bus carrying devotees returning from Sri Anandpur Sahib after offering prayers on the occasion of Baisakhi met with an accident. Several devotees died on the spot, while more than 21 people were injured. Two critically injured passengers have been referred to PGIMER Chandigarh. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
The devotees belonged to Main Majri village in Bassi Pathana tehsil, along with people from nearby villages including Dadyana, Majra, and Shergarh Bara. They were returning late at night in a bus associated with their village Gurudwara Sahib when the accident occurred about 3 kilometers before reaching Main Majri, near Bhateri village. Hearing the cries for help, nearby residents rushed to the spot immediately.