Six killed, 16 injured as two pilgrimage buses collide in Tarn Taran
A head-on collision between two government-run buses near Naushehra Pannuan village left several people dead and many others injured.
Six people died and 16 others were injured when two buses carrying pilgrims collided head-on on the Tarn Taran-Bathinda National Highway on Saturday evening, according to India Today. The accident occurred near Naushehra Pannuan village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district.
The buses were operating under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme, which provides free travel, food, and accommodation for eligible residents aged 50 and above. One bus was travelling from Bhitiwal to Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, while the second was returning to Bargari after visiting the shrine.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surinder Lamba stated that the collision happened when a driver attempted to avoid a motorcyclist and lost control, veering into the path of the oncoming bus. One of the deceased was identified as Davinder Kaur, a resident of Phailoke village.
The injured were taken to the Civil Hospital in Tarn Taran. Five passengers were reported to be in critical condition and were moved to Amritsar for specialised medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.