Mansa (Punjab)— A tragic road accident on Saturday morning claimed the lives of two young schoolchildren in Mansa district’s Laliawali village. The incident occurred as the nation celebrated Dhanteras and Diwali, casting a shadow of grief over the entire village.
According to police, the victims — Sonu (12) and Meena (7) — were on their way to school when a speeding Punjab Roadways (PRTC) bus struck them as they crossed the road near their village. The collision was so intense that both children died instantly.
Family members and villagers were left devastated by the incident, accusing the driver of negligence. Relatives alleged that many government buses are driven by contractual employees who sometimes operate under the influence of alcohol. They suspect the bus driver may have been intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver attempted to flee but was apprehended by locals before he could escape. Police later arrived at the scene, seized the bus, and registered a case against the driver. Officials confirmed that the driver will undergo a medical examination to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol.
