Patiala: A six-year-old girl was killed and 25 people were injured when a pickup truck carrying Sikh devotees overturned on the Patiala-Bhadson road near Majri village on Wednesday morning.The devotees were on their way to Gurdwara Alowal Sahib to attend the birth anniversary congregation of Sant Isher Singh Rara Sahib Wale when the accident occurred.The girl was declared brought dead at Government Rajindra Hospital, where the injured were taken for treatment. Hospital authorities said several of the injured suffered fractures and head injuries, while an elderly woman sustained severe injuries, including the loss of fingers.Bhadson SHO Inspector Gurvinder Singh Sandhu said 35 devotees were travelling in the pickup truck when the accident occurred. Of them, 25 were injured and the six-year-old girl died.Police said most of the devotees were residents of Ramgarh Sardara village near Malaudh and many were travelling in the open cargo bed of the pickup. The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn near Majri village, causing it to overturn. Several passengers were thrown onto the road while others were trapped beneath the vehicle.Local residents, police and ambulance personnel rescued the victims and shifted them to nearby hospitals.Punjab health minister and Patiala Rural MLA Dr Balbir Singh visited Rajindra Hospital and directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.Police have launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the driver lost control at the sharp turn, while carrying passengers in the cargo compartment and possible overloading may also have contributed to the accident. Officials are examining whether traffic and transport norms were violated.The devotees were travelling to Gurdwara Alowal Sahib, the birthplace of Sant Isher Singh Rara Sahib Wale, where a religious congregation is held every year on August 5.Rajindra Hospital medical superintendent Prof Vishal Chopra said 25 injured persons were brought to the hospital. Three later left against medical advice (LAMA), while the remaining patients are undergoing treatment. He confirmed that the six-year-old girl was brought dead.
