11 pilgrims killed as tractor-trolley falls into ditch

Ropar, Sep 6 (UNI) Eleven pilgrims were killed and 20 others were injured when a tractor-trolley in which they were travelling rolled down into a 'khud' near Kiratpur Sahib in the district today, police said.

According to reports reaching the district headquarters here, the pilgrims were returning after paying obeisance at various shrines in Kiratpur Sahib. A majority of the victims, which included women and children, are residents of Behrampur village.

While nine died on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries on way to the hospital. The seriously have been referred to PGI, Chandigarh, while rest were admitted to the Civil Hospital at Anandpur Sahib.

While expressing sorrow and grief over the tragic incident, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 25,000 for the seriously injured. He also announced free medical treatment for the injured persons.

UNI DP SHB MIR BST1919