Father, two minor children killed in scooter-SUV crash

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 23

A horrifying accident between a two-wheeler (Activa) and a four-wheeler (Ford Endeavour) on Thursday claimed lives of a man and his two kids aged two and four. Such was the impact of the collision that their mother and brother who were ridding pillion suffered grievous injuries.

The incident took place around 10 am amid heavy rain near Pacharanga village on Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway.

The deceased have been identified as Sandeep Kumar (35), Jeevika (4) and Samar (2). Jasvir Kaur (mother) and eldest child Garry (7) suffered serious injuries. All were residents of Jodha village in Hoshiarpur. As per reports, the deceased died after their scooter skidded off the road, and plunged into an adjoining trench due to the impact.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Sukhdev Singh (Investigating Officer), who reached the spot, said the tragic incident took place around 10 am. A Delhi-based businessman, Rudra Vijay Singh (63), was behind the wheel of the SUV.

The Investigating Officer said the car owner was heading towards Vaishno Devi and the victims were returning from Sakarpur village (in-laws of Sandeep) in Bhogpur.

After the mishap, locals rushed the survivors to a nearby hospital, which referred them to Johal Hospital, in Rama Mandi. Eyewitnesses said two kids, including their father, died on the spot.

The Investigating Officer said the woman and her child had to be operated upon due to serious injuries. Doctors had to amputate one of the legs of the child, he said. The woman also sustained injuries on her lower body and head. Both of them regained consciousness after some hours.

Bhogpur Station House Officer said a case has been registered at Bhogpur police station and the SUV driver was being quizzed.

The police have been recording statement of the eyewitnesses and trying to figure out the actual reason behind the fatal accident.

“We are looking at overspeeding and careless driving. However, the scooter was also on the wrong side,” said the Investigating Officer.