Panic, confusion grip Amritsar areas

AMRITSAR: Panic and confusion gripped Haripura and surrounding localities of the city after the news of a bus carrying local pilgrims falling into a gorge near Kangra in Himachal Pradesh broke out.

At least 10 people died and 55 were reported injured in the mishap.

Family members and relatives of the pilgrims started gathering at the spot from where the bus left at 10:15pm on Wednesday, curious about the well-being of their relatives.

The pilgrims, who are mostly from Haripura, Dam Ganjh, Dhapai Road localities, went to pay obeisance at the Chintpurni temple and nearby shrines in Kangra district. Sunita Rani, whose husband Dharampal (50) was in the bus, said, “In the morning, my neighbours knocked on my door and informed me about the mishap. I have not been able to speak to him. I am worried.”

Gagan, who had at least 12 members from his extended family in the bus, said, “My sister Jyoti called and informed that her leg was injured. Some of my relatives got seriously injured. She told me that many women and children have been hurt.”

He said an NGO takes local residents for pilgrimages on auspicious occasions. Residents said a group had left for Kangra to identify the victims and the picture will be clear by evening.

Sushil Kumar, whose wife and children were in the bus said, “I got a call from my wife Sunita and she told me they were are safe. The incident has left everyone shocked.” Baldev Kumar, whose sister Kamlesh Rani and sister-in-law Aarti Sharma along with four children were travelling in the bus, said they have not been able to establish any contact.

“My phone rang at 8:30am. I don’t know who it was. The man said the bus has met with an accident. He did not tell me if they are fine or not. I would wait till evening and then leave for Kangra.” Amritsar DC Kamaldeep Sangha said the administration has sent a team comprising a doctor and tehsildar to Kangra to extend help to the injured. “The victims belong to our city and this is our duty to help them,” he said.