Ludhiana: Fifteen schoolchildren were injured on Tuesday morning when a speeding car struck the makeshift cart transporting them to class, highlighting the dangerous lengths impoverished families must go to for basic education.The incident occurred near Mahal Ghumana village along the Satluj river as the students were commuting to school in Bhupana. Following the collision, the vehicle’s occupants fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt. The children, all from the families of migrant workers, were being ferried by Mahinder Singh, a local resident hired by the parents to provide a low-cost transport solution. Singh, who sustained injuries to his leg and back, said the impact caused the cart to overturn completely, tossing the students onto the roadway.Local residents rushed to the scene and transported the injured to a nearby private hospital. Medical staff confirmed that while most children were treated for minor abrasions and discharged, at least three suffered leg fractures and remain under observation.The tragedy has shone a light on the systemic poverty facing the region’s migrant workforce. Joginder Singh, whose child was among the injured, said parents are often left with no choice but to use unsafe, informal transit methods. “We come from humble backgrounds and simply cannot afford the fares for an auto-rickshaw or safer transportation,” he said.Police from the Koom Kalan station arrived at the hospital after being alerted by medical authorities. Inspector Paramdeep Singh said officers are currently recording statements from the parents and intend to file a First Information Report (FIR) once the preliminary investigation is complete.“We are scanning CCTV footage from the area to identify the car and its occupants,” Inspector Paramdeep Singh said. He added a stern warning to the community, urging parents to avoid using makeshift or unsafe vehicles for school commutes to prevent future tragedies.
