How did a speeding car claim five lives including two minors in Ludhiana?
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Chandigarh, Dec 8 (NationPress) In a tragic midnight road incident, a high-speed vehicle crashed into a divider in Ludhiana, Punjab, resulting in the immediate deaths of five individuals, including two minors. Victims suffered severe injuries, with some sustaining head trauma while others had severed necks and limbs. The police reported that the collision occurred near the Ladhowal toll plaza early on Monday morning. The vehicle, identified as a Hyundai Verna, was traveling from Ludhiana towards Ladhowal.
Authorities stated that the driver appeared to have lost control, causing the car to strike the divider, flip over, and be dragged for several meters from the accident scene. The specific cause of the incident is still under investigation.
The deceased included two young girls and three young adults, all hailing from Jagraon town. Their remains were transported to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana.
Assistant Sub Inspector Kashmir Singh informed the press that the police arrived promptly at the scene and summoned an ambulance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The bodies were extricated from the vehicle and taken to the hospital. Efforts are currently ongoing to notify the families of the victims.
To enhance the efficiency and accessibility of emergency services, Punjab Police launched an integrated NHAI helpline '1033' and a cyber crime helpline '1930' in August, alongside the state's unified emergency response system, dial '112'. This system allows citizens to report highway accidents, breakdowns, hazards, as well as financial fraud and cybercrimes with a simple call to '112'. Previously, this helpline was primarily used for reporting various crimes across the state.
According to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a staggering 65 percent of road fatalities occur on national and state highways, with the majority of these tragic events happening between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., when police presence on these roads is notably low. Last year, the Chief Minister inaugurated 144 advanced vehicles for the specialized ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ (SSF) to enhance traffic management and reduce road accidents across the state.