FATEHGARH SAHIB, APRIL 16 — A religious journey ended in heartbreak on the Morinda-Chunni road as eight pilgrims lost their lives when their bus crashed just three kilometers from its destination. The vehicle, which was carrying approximately 35 devotees and the palki of Guru Granth Sahib, went out of control after hitting a road depression, eventually striking a tree.
Police reports indicated that the crash occurred late Tuesday, with the impact snapping electricity wires that caused minor shocks to those attempting to help at the site. Among the dead were several residents of Main Majri and Kajjal Majra, including a local panch, Harchand Singh. This loss was particularly felt by a single family that saw three members killed in the wreckage.
While village leaders maintained that the dilapidated state of the road was the primary cause of the disaster, law enforcement authorities noted that a mechanical failure within the bus is also being investigated as a potential factor. Following the accident, the police worked through the night to clear the wreckage and ensure the flow of traffic was restored.
The administrative response included visits from local MLA Rupinder Singh Happy and other district leaders to supervise relief efforts. The religious community has also stepped in to offer aid. Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, directed the SGPC to immediately assist the bereaved.
Reflecting on the commitment to the survivors, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the committee remains dedicated to the welfare of the victims. “The Sikh body will extend all possible help to the victims,” he asserted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various state leaders also issued statements of grief regarding the tragedy.
