Punjab News: Ferozepur School Bus Accident: Bhagwant Mann Seeks Divine Protection as Rescue Operations Continue

In a heart-wrenching incident, a private school bus carrying several children met with an accident in the Sem drain (सेम नाला) area of Ferozepur, Punjab, prompting immediate administrative action and rescue efforts.

ਫਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੇਮ ਨਾਲੇ ‘ਚ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਭਰੀ ਇੱਕ ਨਿੱਜੀ ਸਕੂਲ ਬੱਸ ਦੇ ਹਾਦਸਾਗ੍ਰਸਤ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਦੁਖਦਾਈ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਮਿਲੀ। ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਸਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਟੀਮਾਂ ਮੌਕੇ ‘ਤੇ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਨੇ। ਬਚਾਅ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਮੈਂ ਪਲ ਪਲ ਦੀ ਅਪਡੇਟ ਲੈ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ। ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਅੱਗੇ ਸਭ ਦੀ ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤੀ ਤੇ ਸਲਾਮਤੀ ਦੀ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
----
फिरोज़पुर में सेम नाले में…

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 5, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his concern and grief over the unfortunate event. “Received the painful news of a private school bus filled with children meeting with an accident in the Sem drain in Ferozepur,” Mann wrote in Punjabi and Hindi, adding that rescue teams are present at the site and relief operations are underway.

"I am receiving real-time updates on the situation," he stated, assuring the public that every possible step is being taken to ensure the safety of the children involved. "I pray to the Almighty for the well-being and safety of all," Mann added, indicating that he is personally monitoring the developments.

Swift Response by Administration

According to initial reports, local authorities, including the police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district administration, rushed to the scene immediately after the incident was reported. Divers and rescue personnel are engaged in efforts to locate and save any children who may be trapped or unaccounted for.

The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, though preliminary information suggests the bus may have lost control near a narrow road adjacent to the canal.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Inquiry

The incident has triggered widespread shock and concern across Punjab. Parents, locals, and netizens are calling for stricter safety protocols for school transportation. Meanwhile, the Education Department is also expected to launch an inquiry into whether the bus adhered to safety regulations and whether the school had appropriate permissions and emergency measures in place.

As the rescue mission continues, the government has urged citizens not to panic and to rely only on official updates. Further details are awaited as the situation unfolds.