12 Missing, 2 survivors: Jeep loses control in dense fog, plunges into Bhakra canal

Haryana: A devastating accident took place near Sardarewala village in Ratia tehsil, Fatehabad district, on Friday night when a Force Trax Cruiser jeep, carrying 14 passengers, lost control and fell into the Bhakra Canal due to poor visibility caused by dense fog.

Two survivors escape, 12 remain missing

Among the 14 occupants, only one man and a 10-year-old child managed to escape the strong currents of the canal. Unfortunately, the remaining 12 passengers could not get out in time. So far, authorities have recovered only one body, and the search operation for the others continues.

Rescue operations underway

As soon as information about the incident was received, Sadar Police Station in-charge Rajveer Singh, along with other officials, rushed to the scene to initiate a rescue mission. The accident, which occurred due to low visibility from the heavy fog, caused the vehicle to veer off balance and plunge into the canal. The depth and strong current of the Bhakra Canal made it extremely difficult for the trapped passengers to escape. Despite these challenging conditions, one survivor and the child were able to reach the shore and were immediately taken to Ratia Civil Hospital for medical attention.

Villagers and authorities join hands in rescue efforts

The 14 passengers were residents of Mehmara village and had traveled to Fazilka, Punjab, earlier in the day to attend a function. While returning home in the evening, their vehicle lost control near Sardarewala village due to the foggy weather and plunged into the canal.

Upon hearing about the accident, a large number of villagers gathered at the site, despite the thick fog, and assisted the police in the rescue efforts. Tohana SDM Jagdish Chandra and DSP Sanjay Bishnoi also arrived at the location to oversee the operation. The rescue mission continued through the night, with local authorities and villagers tirelessly working together to locate the missing individuals. Authorities remain on high alert, and search efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining 12 passengers as quickly as possible.