LUDHIANA, Dec. 11 — Six people were injured on Thursday afternoon when a private bus coming from Nangal lost control near the Ludhiana bus stand, crashing into two vehicles and several pedestrians before mounting the road divider in front of Hotel Palm Inn.
Police said a preliminary probe indicates the bus suffered a brake failure moments before the crash. The impact severely damaged the rear of an e-rickshaw, while the bus’s front end and windshield were left completely shattered.
The injured were taken to ESI Hospital, officials said, adding that legal proceedings have begun.
Traffic policeman Kulwant Singh, who witnessed the incident while on duty near the bus stand, said the bus was descending from the flyover when trouble began. “When it reached outside the bus stand, it first hit a bike. The impact sent the riders tumbling and the bike was badly damaged,” he said. “Further down the road, the bus hit an e-rickshaw, injuring the people who were standing near it.”
Police said passengers inside the bus also suffered minor injuries. Despite attempts by bystanders to stop him, the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision and remains untraceable.
Investigators are continuing efforts to identify and locate the driver and examine the vehicle for mechanical faults.
