A severe road accident occurred early Monday morning on the Chandigarh-Jalandhar National Highway in Punjab's Nawanshahr district. A tourist bus returning from Manali toward Sri Amritsar Sahib lost control and plunged off the Banga flyover in the sub-tehsil area. The incident took place at around 5 AM, instantly triggering panic and commotion as the vehicle crashed down from the elevated corridor, leaving three people dead.
Three Fatalities Confirmed in the Crash
Among those who lost their lives were the bus conductor and a female student from Lovely Professional University. Preliminary reports indicate that three individuals died in the mishap, while the identity of the third victim is still being verified. Several other students from the university were reportedly traveling on the bus as they returned from their excursion to Manali. Official administrative confirmation regarding the precise toll of casualties and injured passengers is currently awaited.
Suspected Cause and Search for the Driver
Initial findings suggest that the driver allegedly dozed off while navigating the Banga flyover, causing the vehicle to veer out of control and crash over the edge. Following the disaster, the bus driver reportedly fled the scene, and authorities are currently searching for him. Police personnel and administrative officials reached the spot shortly after receiving alerts, immediately launching rescue and relief operations while initiating a technical probe into the exact circumstances behind the crash.
Mounting Road Safety Concerns on Major Arteries
The tragedy highlights growing concerns regarding vehicular control and driver fatigue along major transit routes. A similar catastrophic collision occurred recently on the Yamuna Expressway, where an out-of-control Honda City car heading from Noida toward Agra rear-ended a patrol vehicle belonging to the Mant toll plaza. That impact triggered a sudden fire in the car, leaving four individuals critically injured and resulting in the death of a young man. In the Banga crash, law enforcement authorities continue their efforts to assist the injured and complete the formal investigation.
