Three dead, 3 hurt as mini truck overturns near Phillaur

In a tragic accident on Tuesday morning, a truck carrying marble and tiles overturned near Shehnai Resort on the Phillaur highway, resulting in the death of three persons, leaving three others seriously injured.

The incident occurred around 8:15 AM when the truck, reportedly moving at a high speed, lost control and overturned after hitting a road bump.

According to the Punjab Police’s Road Safety Force (SSF), six persons were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident, including several labourers seated on the roof. The moment the truck overturned, heavy marbles and tiles collapsed onto the passengers, particularly those on the roof, leading to fatal injuries. Two persons died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital.

The SSF was the first to arrive at the scene and rushed three of the injured to a nearby hospital. A fourth injured person was taken by the 108 Emergency ambulance service but was later declared dead. All victims are unidentified and efforts are underway to establish their identities and inform their families.

The driver of the vehicle, who survived the accident, reported that the truck driver lost control of the vehicle after hitting a speed breaker, which was not marked, near the resort. The impact caused a sudden shift in the load of heavy marble and tiles, leading to the vehicle overturning. He confirmed that there were seven people on board.

The Phillaur police have begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that overloading and speeding may have contributed to the loss of control. The authorities are also examining whether proper safety protocols were followed during the transport of materials and personnel.

Jalandhar