A devastating collision between a private bus and a stationary truck in Punjab's Bathinda district has resulted in a significant loss of life and multiple injuries. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning amid dense fog, has cast a pall over the region and raised serious concerns about road safety during the winter season.
The Scene of the Tragedy on National Highway 7
The incident took place on the busy National Highway 7, near the village of Jassi Baghewali, within the jurisdiction of the Bhagta Bhai Ka police station. According to preliminary reports from the local authorities, a private bus traveling on the route violently crashed into a truck that was parked on the roadside. The impact of the collision was severe, causing extensive damage to the front portion of the bus and trapping numerous passengers inside.
Police officials stated that the primary cause of the accident appears to be the extremely low visibility caused by dense fog. The harsh winter conditions, common in northern India during this time, had drastically reduced visibility on the highway, making it difficult for drivers to see obstacles ahead. The truck, which was reportedly parked without adequate warning indicators, became an invisible hazard for the approaching bus.
Immediate Rescue and Medical Response
Upon receiving the alert, emergency services sprang into action. Police teams from the Bhagta Bhai Ka station, along with local rescue workers, rushed to the accident site. The operation to extricate passengers from the mangled wreckage was challenging due to the early hour and the prevailing fog.
All the injured and deceased were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Six individuals were pronounced dead upon arrival or succumbed to their injuries. The twenty injured passengers are currently receiving medical care, with some reported to be in serious condition. The identities of the victims are being ascertained, and the process of informing their families is underway.
Senior police officers, including Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulneet Singh Khurana, promptly visited the site to oversee the rescue efforts and the subsequent investigation. The police have registered a case and have initiated a detailed probe to determine the exact sequence of events and ascertain any potential negligence.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Advisories
The investigation is focusing on multiple angles, including the speed of the bus, the reason for the truck being parked on the highway, and whether proper safety protocols were followed by both drivers. Statements from survivors, the bus driver, and the truck driver are being recorded. The condition of the vehicles is also being examined forensically.
This tragic event has prompted local authorities to reiterate crucial safety warnings for all motorists. Police have advised drivers to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and late night hours when fog is at its peak.
- Use fog lights and reduce speed significantly in low-visibility conditions.
- Ensure parked vehicles are well off the road and use hazard lights or reflective triangles.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
The accident on NH-7 is a grim reminder of the heightened dangers on Indian roads during the winter months. It underscores the critical need for both authorities to ensure proper highway management and for drivers to exercise extreme caution when weather conditions deteriorate. The community mourns the loss of life as the injured continue their fight for recovery.
