Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): A joyful pilgrimage turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a group of friends returning from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi met with a serious road accident near Salem Tabri in Ludhiana early Sunday morning, leaving one teenager dead and three others injured.
The mishap took place around 6:15 am outside the Salem Tabri police station after a Toyota car reportedly collided with an e-rickshaw carrying the youngsters from the railway station towards Jassian.
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Navjot Singh, was the only son of a local transporter and was known to work part-time alongside his studies. Despite being rushed for medical assistance, he succumbed to his injuries following the crash.
Police said the remaining passengers sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital, where their condition is being closely monitored.
According to the e-rickshaw driver, five passengers had boarded the vehicle after arriving in Ludhiana by train from their pilgrimage. Two young women got off before the vehicle reached the accident site, while three young men remained seated when the collision occurred.
The driver recalled that the speeding car struck the e-rickshaw with such force that the passengers were thrown violently, causing severe injuries. The two women escaped unharmed after leaving the vehicle minutes before the incident.
Investigators said the Toyota was allegedly being driven by Rahul Kumar Mishra, an Army personnel travelling from Uttar Pradesh to Jammu to resume official duty. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether speed or negligence played a role.
Police teams reached the location shortly after receiving information, shifted the damaged vehicles from the road and restored traffic movement in the area. The deceased’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while statements from eyewitnesses and the injured are being recorded.
The tragic incident has left the victim’s family and local residents in shock, as what was meant to be a journey of faith ended in grief only moments after the friends returned home. The investigation into the accident is continuing, and legal action will be taken based on the findings.
