A devastating road accident near Khatkar Kalan on the Banga–Nawanshahr National Highway created panic in the area after a Thar and another vehicle collided violently, resulting in the death of an elderly man and leaving seven others seriously injured.
According to initial reports, a youth identified as Bhupinder Badwal was driving a Thar vehicle from Nawanshahr towards Jalandhar for studies. It is suspected that due to high speed or sudden loss of control at a turn, the vehicle lost balance, hit another vehicle, and crossed the divider. The Thar then entered the opposite lane and collided with a tempo traveling from Banga towards Nawanshahr.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the tempo driver and several passengers sustained serious injuries. Soon after receiving information, the SSF team reached the spot and rushed the injured to Civil Hospital, Banga.
Doctors declared one elderly person dead upon arrival. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed. Seven others, including the tempo driver, were reported to be in critical condition.
It has been learned that some students of SN College were also traveling in the tempo and suffered serious injuries. Due to their critical condition, some were referred to Nawanshahr while others were shifted to PGI for advanced treatment.
Family members and relatives gathered at the hospital, anxiously waiting for updates on the injured. The accident also disrupted traffic on the highway for a considerable time.
Police officials have reached the scene and initiated an investigation. Both vehicles have been taken into custody. Preliminary findings suggest that overspeeding and loss of control may have led to the accident, though the exact cause will be determined after a detailed probe.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and reckless driving on busy national highways.
