Five killed as two pilgrimage buses collide in Punjab's Tarn Taran
The head-on collision occurred on National Highway-54 when a driver swerved to avoid a motorcyclist near Naushera Pannuan.
Five people were killed and 15 others injured after two buses operating under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme collided head-on on National Highway-54 in Tarn Taran on Thursday. According to reports from The Tribune, the fatalities included four pilgrims and one person who died later after being referred to Amritsar.
The accident occurred near Naushera Pannuan when the driver of one bus swerved to avoid a motorcyclist. Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surendra Lamba said the driver's attempt to rescue the motorcyclist caused the bus to cross the divider and crash into an oncoming bus.
The deceased included a motorcycle pillion rider, Davinder Kaur of Pheloke, according to SSP Lamba. One bus was travelling from Amritsar to Muktsar, while the other was going from Faridkot to Amritsar, as reported by Daily Excelsior.
The buses were carrying 37 passengers as part of a state government scheme that provides free AC sleeper bus travel, food, and accommodation to eligible pilgrims aged 50 and above. Local residents assisted in rescue operations after the collision, which caused severe damage to the front portions of both vehicles.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his sadness on X regarding the tragic accident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on the loss of lives through a post by the Prime Minister's Office.
Officials have issued instructions to ensure that the injured receive medical treatment without delay. Some of the critically injured have been admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar for further treatment.