Sangrur (Punjab): Eight labourers were killed on Sunday after a speeding car hit them on the Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Punjab’s Sangrur district.
Twelve other workers sustained injuries in the incident, of whom four were in serious condition and referred to Sangrur Civil Hospital, PTI reported.
The mishap took place near Alisher village when more than 20 workers enrolled under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G), many of them women, were engaged in work. Some of the workers were resting by the roadside when the car, coming from the direction of Jakhal, ploughed into the group, Superintendent of Police (SP) Palwinder Singh Cheema said.
The driver managed to get down and flee the scene.
Five workers died on the spot, while the other three succumbed after being taken to the hospital.
SP Cheema said an investigation was underway, and assured strict action against the accused.
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed grief over the “heartbreaking” accident. “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,” he posted on X.