Eight labourers were killed when a speeding Chevrolet Optra Magnum ran over them on Jakhal Road near Chotian village in Punjab’s Sangrur district. The driver, Pargat Singh Kala of Raidhrana village, fled the scene before police could arrive.
The victims, all MGNREGA workers, were standing on the roadside to collect wages when the sedan lost control. At least 23 workers were injured, with four or five in critical condition – a factory worker, Harvinder Singh, arrived on the scene within minutes and described a chaotic tableau of bodies and bleeding. But the ambulance took nearly an hour to reach the spot, and witnesses say several died waiting for medical help.
Local MLA Barinder Kumar Goyal expressed sorrow and pledged full support to the families. Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring demanded immediate medical aid, stern action against those responsible, and adequate compensation. Police have launched an investigation and are raiding the area to locate the driver.
The driver is now a wanted suspect; authorities are coordinating a raid to apprehend him and will assess whether administrative negligence contributed to the delayed ambulance response. Families are awaiting a compensation package that the district administration is drafting.