8 dead, several injured after bus falls off bridge in Punjab’s Bathinda

A tragic road accident in Punjab’s Bathinda claimed the lives of eight people and left several others injured after a bus plunged off a bridge into a drain on Kot Shamir Road on Friday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with rescue teams working tirelessly at the site to recover the victims.

The bus, which was crossing the bridge, lost control before falling into the drain. Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams before the vehicle submerged partially in the water. Rescue personnel were immediately deployed to the location and are continuing operations to save as many lives as possible.

Authorities have confirmed the death toll stands at eight, with several others injured. The injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals, and their conditions range from stable to critical. Emergency services and local law enforcement are coordinating efforts to clear the area and investigate the cause of the accident.

This tragic incident comes on the heels of another bus accident in Uttarakhand’s Bhimtal just two days ago, where four people lost their lives, and over 24 were injured. The spate of accidents has raised concerns over road safety and the condition of vehicles operating on challenging terrains.

The government has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and assured swift action to determine the cause of the accident. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to identify lapses, if any, in safety protocols, vehicle maintenance, or road conditions.

This accident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures for public transport, particularly on bridges and roads prone to accidents. Residents have also called for better infrastructure and regular inspections to prevent such tragedies.