FATEHGARH SAHIB, APRIL 16 — A somber atmosphere has enveloped the region following a bus accident near Himmatgarh village that claimed the lives of eight pilgrims and left more than 25 others injured late Tuesday night. The victims were returning to their homes after paying obeisance at Anandpur Sahib for Baisakhi when their vehicle struck a pothole on the Morinda-Chunni road, collided with an electricity pole and a tree, and subsequently overturned.
The deceased were identified as Iqbal Singh, who served as both the granthi and the driver, Ranjit Kaur, Pradeep Kaur, Jagwinder Singh, Lakhveer Singh, Harveer Singh, Harchand Singh, and Kulwinder Singh. The tragedy deeply impacted the family of Lakhveer and Harveer Singh, who died alongside their sister-in-law, Ranjit Kaur.
The injured were quickly transported to medical facilities in Morinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Bassi Pathana, while eight individuals in critical condition were moved to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh. Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Sona Thind and Senior Superintendent of Police Shubham Aggarwal, arrived at the scene to coordinate the rescue.
Residents of nearby villages expressed significant frustration regarding the infrastructure, noting that the potholes on this specific route had been a known issue for a long time. During a visit by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, many local citizens voiced their grievances concerning the road conditions.
In the wake of the incident, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Harjinder Singh Dhami affirmed that the organization would provide support to those affected. “The Sikh body will extend all possible help to the victims,” Dhami declared. Additionally, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other political figures shared their condolences with the grieving families.
