Chandigarh: Eight workers were killed and 12 others injured after a speeding car struck a group of labourers on the Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Punjab's Sangrur district on Sunday, police said.
The incident occurred near Alisher village when a group of more than 20 workers enrolled under Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) - several among them women - were engaged in some work. Some of them were sitting along the road.
A speeding car coming from the direction of Jakhal mowed down the group of workers, police said.
Subsequently, the car driver abandoned his vehicle and fled from the spot, Superintendent of Police Palwinder Singh said.
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Five workers died on the spot, another police official said. The injured were taken to a hospital, where some were said to be in serious condition.
Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said eight workers were killed in the incident, while 12 were injured.
The district administration is taking all necessary steps, including providing medical help to the accident victims, she said.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, the local MLA, expressed grief over the incident.
He said the injured are being provided medical treatment, and assured all possible help from the government for the victims. Ambulances have been deployed to shift bodies, he said.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, too, condoled the death of workers.
"The tragic incident that occurred with women labourers working under MGNREGA near the village of Alisher in Lehra is extremely sad. In this hour of grief, heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed souls and give strength to the families to bear this loss," Cheema said.
Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring expressed grief over the deaths. "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Lehra where eight MGNREGA workers were mowed down by a speeding car, leaving several injured. This is heartbreaking.
"These are the poorest workers who toil hard to earn a living. I urge the administration to ensure immediate medical aid for the injured, sternest action against those responsible and adequate compensation for the families of the deceased. May the departed souls rest in peace," the Ludhiana MP said in a post on X.
Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, also expressed grief over the tragic incident.
"The tragic loss of eight MGNREGA workers in Lehra after being struck by a speeding vehicle is deeply distressing. Several others have also sustained injuries in this horrific incident. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may the injured recover soon," he said.
