Five people lost their lives in a devastating road accident near Gurthari village in Bathinda early Saturday morning. The incident occurred on the Bathinda-Dabwali Bharatmala Pariyojna Expressway, a major highway in the region.
Dense Fog Blamed for Tragic Collision
A Toyota Fortuner SUV crashed into a road divider under conditions of extremely dense fog. The heavy mist severely reduced visibility on the expressway, making driving hazardous. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, resulting in immediate fatalities for all five occupants of the vehicle.
Local Response and Recovery Efforts
Local residents reported hearing a tremendous noise from the crash site. They quickly rushed to the scene to investigate and promptly alerted the police. The recovery operation proved exceptionally challenging for both villagers and the responding Sadak Suraksha Force (SSF) personnel.
Teams worked diligently to collect mortal remains from the wreckage. They faced significant difficulties in transporting the deceased to the nearest civil hospital for formal identification and post-mortem procedures. The grim task stretched on for hours as emergency workers navigated the foggy conditions.
Victims Identified as Gujarat Tourists
Police investigation revealed the victims were residents of Gujarat state. They had recently traveled to Himachal Pradesh for tourism purposes and were returning home to Gujarat when the accident occurred. Among the deceased was a woman who served as a police constable in Gujarat.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police are currently gathering detailed information about all victims, including their identities and travel plans. Officials are examining the vehicle wreckage and reviewing weather conditions at the time of the incident.
The Bathinda-Dabwali Expressway has witnessed multiple accidents recently, raising concerns about safety measures during poor visibility conditions. This tragic event highlights the dangers of driving in dense fog, particularly on high-speed corridors like the Bharatmala Pariyojna network.
