5 killed as pickup truck from Punjab rams into bridge railing in Mandi

Tribune News Service

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Mandi, June 1

In a tragic road accident early this morning, a pickup truck carrying tent material from Ludhiana in Punjab to IIT Mandi, Kamand, met with a fatal crash on the Kataula Bridge under police station Padhar in Mandi district. Five persons were killed in the crash, while one person was critically injured.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 9 am when the vehicle, bearing registration number PB02-EG-4543, collided with the railing of the bridge, resulting in the death of five persons on the spot and injuring one.

The pickup truck was transporting six passengers at the time of the accident. The deceased are Sukhvinder Singh, son of Harvansh Singh, a resident of Ludhiana; Umesh Kumar, son of Raja Ram, from GT Road, Pratap Nagar, Amritsar; and Sagar, son of Surender Kumar, a resident of Firozepur village, Amritsar. The identity of two other individuals was yet to be confirmed

The driver of the vehicle, Daljeet, son of Jagtar Singh from Malia village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the Zonal Hospital in Mandi.

According to initial reports, the pickup vehicle lost control while crossing the bridge and rammed into the railing. Locals and emergency responders rushed to the scene to rescue the injured and retrieve the bodies.

Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. While overspeeding or mechanical failure has not been ruled out, authorities are examining the condition of the vehicle and the circumstances leading to the crash.

Mandi SP Sakshi Verma stated that efforts are underway to identify the two unknown victims and contact their families.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed sorrow over this tragic road accident. Calling it an unfortunate event, the Chief Minister stated that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. He has directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure that the injured individual receives the best possible medical treatment.

Sukhu also prayed to the Almighty for peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear this irreparable loss. He wished the injured person a speedy recovery.