Tarn Taran, November 14 (TNA) At least four pilgrims were killed, and more than 12 others were injured when two buses operating under Punjab’s Chief Minister Teerth Yatra scheme collided head-on on National Highway 54 near Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran district on Saturday. The buses were carrying pilgrims from Ferozepur to Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.
According to preliminary information, one bus swerved across the road divider while trying to avoid motorcyclists and crashed into the other Teerth Yatra bus coming from the opposite direction. The accident occurred around 4 pm.
Four passengers died on the spot, while over a dozen others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, and rescue operations were carried out at the site. The exact number of injured and the condition of those hospitalised were still being assessed. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased.
Police said the collision occurred when the driver of one bus applied the brakes to save motorcyclists crossing the highway divider. The bus then crossed to the other side of the road and collided with the oncoming Teerth Yatra bus. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact sequence of events and ascertain whether overspeeding or any other factor contributed to the crash.
The Chief Minister’s Teerth Yatra scheme is a state-run pilgrimage initiative that provides free bus travel for senior citizens to religious sites. The accident has raised concerns over the safety protocols followed during such journeys.