Punjab CM announces compensation for Tarn Taran bus accident victims
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promised Rs 5 lakh for families of the five deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of five people killed in a collision between two buses in Tarn Taran district. According to The New Indian Express, the accident occurred on Saturday on National Highway-54 near Naushehra Pannuan.
The collision involved two Punjab government-run buses operating under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme. The crash killed four pilgrims and a motorcycle pillion rider, while more than 15 people were injured.
Mann visited the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar on Sunday to check on the condition of the injured. He stated that the state government would cover all medical expenses for those hurt in the mishap.
The accident happened when a bus driver attempted to avoid a motorcycle and crossed the road divider, hitting an oncoming bus. Mann described the event as unfortunate and noted that doctors informed him the injured were out of danger.
The Chief Minister declined to launch an inquiry into the accident or the management of the pilgrimage scheme, stating it was a road accident. He noted that the scheme's arrangements are running smoothly, with over 3,000 pilgrims travelling daily in 70 buses.
Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme, the state provides free air-conditioned sleeper bus travel, food, and accommodation to eligible pilgrims aged 50 years and above.