Chandigarh-bound bus crashes into truck near Karnal, driver killed

A tragic road accident took place early Thursday morning on National Highway-44, about 6 kilometers from Karnal. A private electric bus traveling from Gurugram to Chandigarh rammed into a truck near Jhilmil Dhaba, resulting in the death of the bus driver and injuries to eight others, including the conductor and seven passengers.

Heavy impact at the front of the bus

According to the police, the driver, Daya Singh, died on the spot due to the heavy impact at the front of the vehicle. The bus conductor, Vimal, was seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment. The front of the bus was completely damaged, trapping those sitting in the front rows.
After the accident, locals and police quickly rushed to the spot to help the injured. Since the main door of the bus was jammed, the rescuers had to pull passengers out through the windows. A crane was later called in to remove the damaged bus from the road and clear the traffic.
A total of seven passengers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. All of them were traveling from Gurugram to Chandigarh. Their conditions vary, but none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening at this time.

One passenger, who was unharmed, said that most of the travelers were sleeping when the crash occurred. Due to this, no one could clearly say what caused the accident.
Police suspect that the truck was either parked or moving slowly without proper signals, which may have led to the crash. However, the exact cause is still under investigation.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Manjeet Singh from Sadar Police Station confirmed that the truck driver fled from the scene soon after the accident. Police are now trying to trace him.
Since the conductor is injured and undergoing treatment, he has not yet given a statement. The passengers who were awake during the crash have limited information, as many were asleep at the time.

ASI Manjeet Singh said, “We have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident. A case will be registered after we get full details.”

Alternate transport arranged for passengers

After the injured were taken to hospital, the remaining passengers were assisted by police. Some were sent to Chandigarh on alternate buses, while a few chose to continue the journey by their own means.
This accident highlights ongoing safety concerns on National Highway-44, one of the busiest highways in North India. Accidents caused by poorly parked trucks, lack of proper signals, and driver fatigue are common, especially during early morning hours.

ALSO READ: Chandigarh: ‘Courage, dedication & sacrifice’ — army pays tribute to Capt Batra

ALSO READ: Chandigarh MC imposes ₹13,500 fine on PNB for littering outside branch

A routine journey turned tragic for the passengers of the Gurugram-Chandigarh bus when it collided with a truck near Karnal, claiming the life of the driver and injuring eight others.

The police investigation is ongoing, and efforts are on to locate the truck driver and understand how the accident happened. Meanwhile, the injured are receiving treatment, and authorities are ensuring that the remaining passengers safely reach their destination.

The incident is yet another reminder of the urgent need for better road safety measures, proper vehicle parking, and driver awareness on major highways.