In a devastating road accident that has shaken Punjab, five school students and their driver lost their lives when a sand-laden tipper truck rammed into a private vehicle near Nassupur village on the Samana-Patiala road on Wednesday afternoon. One student remains critically injured, while two others are recovering after treatment.
The victims were returning to their homes in Samana from their school in Patiala when the tragic mishap occurred. The speeding truck hit the Innova with such force that it was thrown off course and crashed into a roadside tree. The vehicle’s front section was mangled beyond recognition, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. A crane and JCB machine were deployed to extricate the bodies from the wreckage.
According to eyewitnesses, the collision’s impact was deafening, sending shockwaves across the area. Locals rushed to the scene, but the extent of the damage made immediate help nearly impossible. Panic and grief gripped the region as news of the accident spread.
Patiala police reached the scene swiftly, seized the truck, and launched a search for the driver, who fled after the crash. Preliminary investigations suggested reckless and negligent driving as the likely cause. Officials stated that further forensic examination of the vehicle and road conditions is underway.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a post on the social media platform X, he called the incident “heart-wrenching” and assured that all possible medical aid was being provided to the injured. “My thoughts are with the grieving families. May the departed souls find peace, and may the injured recover swiftly,” he said. He also confirmed that he was in touch with the District Administration and had directed them to ensure the best possible treatment.
The accident has reignited concerns over the increasing number of fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles in Punjab. Local residents have long demanded stricter enforcement of speed regulations and better traffic management on the Samana-Patiala road, which has become notorious for such incidents.
Grief-stricken families and school authorities have called for justice and immediate action against the truck driver. The District Administration has promised a thorough probe and announced assistance to the bereaved families.
