Patiala: Two Class 12 students were killed after a school bus allegedly hit their motorcycle on the Patran–Jakhal Road near Khaneval village in Patiala district on Thursday morning, police said.
The deceased were identified as Mohit Kumar and Prince Kumar, both residents of Hariau Kalan village and students of a Senior Secondary School in Banga village, Sangrur district. Mohit Kumar was the only son of his parents.
According to initial information, the impact of the collision was so severe that the school bus dragged the motorcycle and the two students for nearly 50 feet. The bus is reported to belong to Bachpan International Public School, located in Hamirgarh village near Moonak.
Both students died at the scene, while the bus driver allegedly fled after the accident. The bodies have been sent to the Community Health Centre (CHC), Patran, for post-mortem examination. All children travelling in the school bus were reported to be safe.
Following the incident, villagers and the victims’ family members staged a protest on the Patran–Jakhal Road, blocking traffic and demanding the immediate arrest of the bus driver and action against the school management.
According to information from the Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office, alternative traffic arrangements have been put in place.
Police led by Patran Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Gagandeep Singh reached the spot and launched an investigation.
Family members alleged that the 25-seat school bus was carrying around 45 students at the time of the accident. Protesters also accused the school principal of misbehaving with them after arriving at the scene.
The protest was continuing at the time of filing this report, with demonstrators demanding strict legal action against those responsible.
