Ludhiana: What began as a spiritual journey to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine ended in unimaginable tragedy for a group of young friends after a devastating road accident claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy in Ludhiana on Sunday morning.
The fatal collision occurred around 6:15 am near Salem Tabri police station when a speeding Toyota car reportedly rammed into an e-rickshaw carrying the group. The impact left one teenager dead and three others seriously injured.
The deceased has been identified as Navjot Singh, a resident of Salem Tabri and the only son of a local transporter. Family members said he had recently taken up part-time work and had accompanied his friends on the pilgrimage.
According to preliminary information, the youngsters had just arrived at Ludhiana Railway Station after returning from Katra and hired an e-rickshaw to travel towards Jassian. Their journey home was cut short within minutes when the vehicle was struck by the car.
The e-rickshaw driver, Himanshu, said he had initially picked up five passengers, including two young women and three young men. The two women got down at their destination shortly before the accident, a circumstance that likely spared them from the devastating impact.
Eyewitnesses described the collision as extremely forceful, with the e-rickshaw suffering extensive damage. Navjot sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead, while the remaining passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police officials said the Toyota car was allegedly being driven by Rahul Kumar Mishra, an Indian Army personnel travelling from Uttar Pradesh to Jammu to report for duty. Authorities are examining all aspects of the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Officers from Salem Tabri police station reached the spot soon after receiving information, cleared the traffic congestion and shifted both damaged vehicles from the road. The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while statements from witnesses and survivors are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the local community, with residents mourning the loss of a young life that had returned safely from a pilgrimage only to meet with a fatal accident just a short distance from home.
