Chandigarh: Eight workers were killed, and 12 others sustained injuries after a car ran over them on Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Punjab’s Sangrur district on Sunday, police said.
The incident occurred near Alisher village when a group of more than 20 workers enrolled under Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) — several among them women — were engaged in some work. Some of them were sitting along the road.
A speeding car coming from the direction of Jakhal mowed down the group of workers, police said.
Family members grieve the death of workers killed in an accident on Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Punjab’s Sangrur district on Sunday. Tribune Photo
According to an eyewitness, the incident took place at around 5.30 pm. The car first struck a motorcycle before turning towards the workers, who were taking a water break by the roadside.
The deceased have been identified as Karamjit Kaur, Jivan Singh, Nikki, Sarabjeet Kaur, Ranjit Kaur, Karamjit, Rani Kaur and Desh Raj, all residents of Alisher and surrounding villages.
The car is reportedly registered in the name of one Pargat Singh of Patiala.
Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said the district administration is providing medical help to the injured.
Punjab minister Barinder Goyal, the local MLA, expressed grief over the incident. He said the injured are being provided treatment.
Congress leader Vijay Inder Singla said, “The loss of workers is heartbreaking. Those who toil every day to earn an honest livelihood deserve dignity, safety and protection. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of all those injured.”
Congress leader Pratap Bajwa also condoled the deaths.
