At least seven people were killed and 20 others injured when a mini bus collided with a truck on the Delhi-Jammu National Highway on Friday morning. The mini-bus was carrying more than 30 members of a family on a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi in Jammu, according to NDTV.
The family, hailing from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, was travelling in the mini bus when it collided with a truck near Ambala, Haryana. Witnesses reported that the accident occurred when the truck, just ahead of the bus, suddenly pulled the brakes. The bus driver was unable to stop in time, causing the bus to crash into the truck.
Visuals from the scene show the front of the bus severely damaged by the impact.
“A car in front of the truck suddenly turned into a petrol pump, causing the truck driver to brake abruptly. Our bus was behind and couldn’t stop in time,” said Dheeraj, one of the survivors.
Three family members died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a hospital. Over 20 people are being treated for serious injuries at various hospitals.
The police stated that the truck driver fled the scene, but the truck has been seized. A case has been filed and further investigation is underway.