Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Three Lives on Bhikhi-Mansa Road Near Bathinda
A devastating road accident on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including an elderly couple, when two cars collided head-on between Kotda and Khiala villages on the Bhikhi-Mansa road in the Bathinda region. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local communities, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the area.
Victims Identified as Elderly Couple and Young Man
The deceased have been identified as Upkar Singh (64) and his wife, Shavinder Kaur (60), residents of Lathera village in Ratia, Haryana. Also killed in the crash was Balkaran Singh (22) from Malikpur Khiala village in Mansa. According to preliminary reports, the couple was traveling from Bikhi toward Mansa, while Balkaran, accompanied by his friend Komalpreet Singh from Dhalewan village, was driving from the opposite direction.
Serious Injuries and Fatalities at Mansa Civil Hospital
The violent head-on collision caused severe injuries to all four occupants of the vehicles. They were immediately rushed to Mansa civil hospital for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, Upkar Singh, Shavinder Kaur, and Balkaran Singh were declared dead upon arrival or shortly after. Komalpreet Singh, the fourth individual involved, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care, with his condition being closely monitored by hospital authorities.
Police Investigation Points to Stray Cattle as Possible Cause
While the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, local police have indicated that stray cattle might have played a role in triggering the accident. This suspicion aligns with broader issues of livestock on roads in rural Punjab and Haryana, which have been cited in numerous previous incidents. Authorities are continuing their probe to determine the precise sequence of events and any contributing factors, such as road conditions or driver error.
Community Impact and Road Safety Concerns
The tragedy has deeply affected the villages of Lathera, Malikpur Khiala, and Dhalewan, where the victims were well-known members. Residents have expressed grief and called for improved road safety measures, including better management of stray animals and enhanced traffic enforcement on the Bhikhi-Mansa route. This accident underscores the urgent need for:
- Increased vigilance regarding livestock on highways
- Public awareness campaigns on safe driving practices
- Infrastructure upgrades to prevent such collisions
As families mourn their loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on India's roads and the critical importance of preventive measures to avert future tragedies.
