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8 Amarnath pilgrims killed in mishap
Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, July 21
Eight Amarnath-bound pilgrims from New Delhi were killed and four injured in a collision between a jeep and a bus of Pritam Bus Service at Aehma Manget village, near Mukerian, 50 km from here on the Jalandhar-Pathankot GT road, this morning. The bus was coming from the Pathankot side.

Seven persons died on the spot. The five injured were admitted to the Dasuya Civil Hospital, where one person succumbed to his injuries. The condition of three is stated to be critical. It is learnt that the injured have been referred to the DMCH, Ludhiana.

Mr Kirandeep Singh Bhullar, Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur, reached the site and announced Rs 5,000 as ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Arrangements were made to transport the bodies to New Delhi. He said free medical aid would be provided to the injured.

The deceased have been identified as Manjinder Singh of Tanda Ram Sahai; Vipin Kumar and Deepak Kumar, both residents of Bhai Parmanand Colony; Hans Raj of Kabir Malik Ganj Mandi; and Nasia Devi of Sabzi Mandi. The other victims are yet to be identified.

The injured have been identified as Didya (23), Vidya (20), Mohit (14) and Julika (20).