Fatal Mishap on Hoshiarpur-Chintpurni Road
Hoshiarpur, Punjab (September 6, 2025): A tragic road accident claimed three lives and left two others injured when an ambulance carrying a heart patient rolled down a 400-foot gorge near Manguwal barrier on the Hoshiarpur-Chintpurni road on Saturday.
According to police, the vehicle was transporting a patient from Tanda in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H), Ludhiana, when the driver lost control at a sharp curve. The ambulance plunged into the gorge, killing the patient and his two sons-in-law.
The deceased have been identified as Onkar Chand, a resident of Pathiyar village in Kangra’s Nagrota Bagwan tehsil, and his sons-in-law Rakesh Kapoor and Sanjiv Kumar.
Injured Shifted to Hospital
The ambulance driver and another relative, identified as Renu, survived with serious injuries. Both were rushed to Hoshiarpur Civil Hospital and later shifted to a private health facility for advanced treatment.
Sadar Police Station House Officer (SHO) Madan Singh said locals rushed to the site after hearing the cries of a woman trapped inside the vehicle. “With the help of nearby residents, we pulled out the injured from the gorge and immediately shifted them to the civil hospital. The bodies were later recovered and sent for post-mortem,” he added.
Eyewitness Accounts and Family Statements
Rakesh Kapoor’s sister, Sarika, recounted that her father, Onkar Chand, had suffered a heart attack earlier in the day. He was first admitted to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, before being referred to Ludhiana. “My brother, Sanjiv, and sister-in-law Renu were accompanying him in the ambulance,” she said, adding that tragedy struck midway through the emergency transfer.
Local residents familiar with the area noted that the Manguwal barrier stretch is notoriously accident-prone. The narrow hilly road, sharp bends, and deep gorges on both sides make driving hazardous, particularly for larger vehicles like ambulances.
Road Safety Concerns in Hoshiarpur Hills
Saturday’s accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety in hilly stretches of Hoshiarpur. Residents and commuters frequently complain about the lack of safety railings, reflective signboards, and proper lighting on this route.
Authorities have been urged to conduct immediate safety audits and install preventive measures to reduce mishaps. Activists also stressed the need for specialized driver training for ambulance operators who often navigate these challenging routes under pressure.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
The rescue operation lasted for several hours due to the depth of the gorge. Police teams, along with local volunteers, worked together to retrieve the bodies and save the injured. Villagers played a crucial role, climbing down the steep slope with ropes to reach the victims.
Officials commended the quick action of locals, which ensured the two survivors received timely medical aid. SHO Singh said, “Without the help of villagers, the rescue would have been delayed, and the casualties might have been higher.”
Reactions and Official Statements
District authorities expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured full assistance. Efforts are also underway to provide counseling and relief to the survivors.
Local residents have once again demanded urgent government intervention to make the Manguwal barrier stretch safer. “Every year, lives are lost here. The government must take this seriously,” said a resident of a nearby village.
Conclusion
The tragic ambulance accident in Hoshiarpur serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained and unsafe hilly roads. While the families mourn their loss, the incident has reignited calls for urgent infrastructure upgrades and stricter road safety measures.
As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to review safety protocols and prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.