Five killed as trailer crashes into pilgrims' coach

Three of 15 injured in critical condition; victims were returning from a shrine visit

HYDERABAD:

Five members of the Bhel community were killed and 15 others injured when a passenger coach carrying pilgrims collided with a trailer near the Piloro police post on the Mithi-Diplo road in Tharparkar, police and hospital officials said.

The victims, residents of Bhel Colony in Naukot, had travelled with their families to the Wachhra Peer shrine near Diplo. The crash occurred as they were returning home, killing five people on the spot and leaving 15 others injured.

The deceased were identified as Sajjan Bhel, Lekhraj, Somar, Dodo and Bhimraj.

Civil Surgeon Mithi Dr Shahid Jhanjhi said the hospital received five bodies and 15 injured people following the crash. Three of the injured were in critical condition and were being referred to Hyderabad for further treatment.

Deputy Commissioner Tharparkar Abdul Haleem Jagirani and other district officials visited Civil Hospital Mithi after being informed of the accident. The deputy commissioner directed hospital authorities to ensure the injured received the best possible medical care. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.