Sangrur Horror: Speeding Car Mows Down MGNREGA Workers, 8 Dead
Eight MGNREGA workers were killed in a horrific road accident in Sangrur, Punjab. CM Bhagwant Mann announces compensation and strict action.
A devastating road accident in the Sangrur district of Punjab has claimed the lives of eight MGNREGA workers and left several others injured. The tragedy occurred in Alisher village when a speeding car rammed into a group of workers who were simply taking a break by the roadside to drink water.
The Heart-Wrenching Incident
The accident took place around 3:30 pm on Sunday. According to eyewitness accounts from an injured survivor, the workers were sitting by the road, hydrating themselves, when the uncontrolled vehicle struck them with immense force. The impact was so severe that multiple casualties occurred instantly.
Inspector Jaskaran Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Lehragaga Police Station, reported that nine people lost their lives in the incident. However, medical reports provided further clarity on the casualties and the condition of the survivors.
Medical Response and Casualties
Dr. Vinod Kumar, the Senior Medical Officer in Sangrur, stated that eight individuals were rushed to the hospital following the crash. He noted that one person was brought in dead, while the status of the others varied: five patients are currently stable, and two have been referred to another medical facility for specialized care.
Government Response and Compensation
The tragedy has drawn reactions from both the state and central leadership, with promises of financial aid and legal action.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Announcement
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of "eight precious lives," describing the event as a huge loss. In a post on X, the Chief Minister announced the following measures:
- Ex-gratia Payment: An amount of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the family of each deceased individual.
- Medical Care: The Punjab government will bear the entire cost of treatment for all those injured in the accident, ensuring it is provided absolutely free.
- Legal Action: The CM assured that the driver, who fled the scene, would be apprehended soon and will face strict legal consequences.
Condolences from Union Defence Minister
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted to the tragedy, calling the incident "extremely unfortunate and heart-wrenching." In a message shared on X, the Defence Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured workers.
"The death of several workers in a road accident in Sangrur district of Punjab is extremely unfortunate and heart-wrenching. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured," said Rajnath Singh.
Police are currently conducting searches to locate the absconding driver as further investigations into the cause of the speeding vehicle's loss of control continue.