Five killed as two pilgrimage buses collide in Punjab's Tarn Taran
The head-on collision occurred on National Highway 54 when a bus driver swerved to avoid a motorcycle.
Five people died and several others sustained injuries after two buses collided head-on near Naushehra Pannuan in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Saturday, November 14, according to reports by The Pioneer and Times Now.
The accident happened around 4 pm on National Highway 54. The driver of one bus reportedly swerved to avoid a motorcycle, causing the vehicle to cross the road divider and hit an oncoming bus.
Both vehicles were transporting pilgrims under the state government's Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme. One bus was travelling from Faridkot to Amritsar, while the other was moving from Amritsar to Muktsar.
Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner Nirmal Ossephchan stated that four people died at the scene, while one passenger later died after being referred to Amritsar. More than 15 people were injured, with some being treated at the Civil Hospital in Tarn Taran and five seriously injured passengers referred to Guru Nanak Dev Medical College and Hospital in Amritsar.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the incident and said officials were directed to ensure the injured receive the best medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences via the Prime Minister's Office on X.
Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba noted that a motorcycle pillion rider was among those killed. Local residents and emergency teams assisted in rescuing passengers trapped in the wreckage.