CHANDIGARH: Ten members of a family hailing from Una in Himachal Pradesh were killed when their Innova MUV washed away in flushing flood waters in Jejo Cho in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab. One 7 year child and driver of the Innova were rescued by locals.
The family was on its way from Una to Mahilpur in Nawanshahr district to attend a marriage. According to eyewitnesses Several other vehicles were stopped due to gushing water in the cho (rivulet) but the driver of ill fated MUV took the risk and trapped midway. The vehicle was washed away killing ten our of 11 members of the family hailing from village Dehlan in Mehatpur Sub division of Una district.
The Mahilpur Sub Division Magistrate and local SHO reached the spot and launched rescue operation with the help of local youth. They were able to rescue to driver and a 7 year old child. While 9 dead bodies have been recovered, one person is still missing.
The rivulets in Hoshiarpur district dry except during the rainy season when water from adjoining areas of Himachal Pardesh flow to downstream. There was heavy rain in HP and Hoshiarpur district since last night which caused heavy flow of water. The incident has allegedly occurred due to over confidence of driver who risked the lives of all the passengers.