The accident occurred in Tarn Taran when a bus driver swerved to avoid a motorcyclist travelling on the wrong side of the road.
Four people were killed and 18 others sustained injuries after two buses carrying pilgrims collided in the Naushehra Pannuan area of Punjab's Tarn Taran district on Saturday, according to reports by ANI and The Hindu.
Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surendra Lamba said the accident happened when a motorcyclist approached from the wrong side. One bus driver swerved to avoid the motorcyclist, resulting in a head-on collision with another bus coming from the opposite direction.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Nirmal Ouseppachan stated that among the four deceased, three were pilgrims and one was the woman riding the motorcycle. News18 reported that the buses were operating under the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme.
Of the 18 injured, SSP Lamba said five people with more severe injuries were referred to a hospital in Amritsar for further treatment. The remaining 13 injured are receiving treatment locally, with eight having sustained very minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life on X, offering condolences to those who lost loved ones and wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The civil administration, police teams, and public representatives were present at the site to coordinate the response. Officials have instructed that the incident be treated as a priority to ensure all injured receive medical facilities without delay.
