Tragedy in Bathinda: 8 Dead, 26 Injured as Bus Plunges into Drain

Bathinda, Punjab: In a devastating accident near Jiwan Singh Wala village in Bathinda district, eight people, including a 2-year-old girl, lost their lives, and 26 others sustained injuries when a bus plunged into a drain on Friday.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray confirmed, "Eight people have died, including a 2-year-old girl. Five succumbed at Talwandi hospital, and three at the civil hospital in Bathinda. Of the deceased, five have been identified, while three remain unidentified."

The incident occurred when the bus, traveling from Talwandi Sabo to Bathinda, reportedly struck by lightning, veered out of control and plunged into the drain. Officials suspect inclement weather played a role in the tragic event.

Local residents quickly sprang into action, rescuing passengers trapped inside the bus. Police and district administration carried out a rescue operation, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

Authorities have assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the victims’ families as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.