A joyful road trip turned tragic when five young tourists from Gujarat lost their lives in a horrific road accident in Punjab. The crash occurred early morning on January 16, 2026, near Pathrala village on the Bathinda–Bikaner highway, after dense fog severely reduced visibility. The victims died on the spot, leaving families and communities in deep shock.
Punjab Road Accident: What Happened Near Bathinda
According to police, the group was travelling in a Toyota Fortuner registered in Gujarat. Due to heavy fog, the driver failed to notice the road divider in time. The SUV rammed into it at high speed, causing a devastating impact. All five occupants died instantly. Local residents alerted authorities, and Punjab Police reached the spot quickly, beginning rescue and investigation work. The crash was so severe that the vehicle was badly damaged, making rescue difficult. Traffic on the Bathinda–Bikaner highway was briefly disrupted as police cleared the site. Officials have registered a case and are examining whether speed and visibility conditions played a larger role in the fatal accident.
Gujarat Accident Victims Identified From Banaskantha
The victims were residents of Banaskantha district in Gujarat. The group included four men and one woman, all believed to be in the 25–30 age group, according to preliminary information. Authorities are in the process of completing formal identification and informing family members. Police officials stated that further personal details will be shared only after official confirmation, as investigations and legal procedures are still underway.
Bathinda Road Accident: Dense Fog Triggers Another Winter Tragedy
Bathinda SP Narinder Singh confirmed that dense fog was the primary cause of the accident.“Visibility was extremely poor due to fog. The driver lost control and the vehicle hit the divider. No other vehicle was involved,” he said. Punjab has seen multiple fog-related accidents this winter, including a fatal crash on January 10 that killed four people from Himachal Pradesh.
Post-Mortem and Investigation Underway in Bathinda
After the accident, the bodies were shifted to a government hospital in Bathinda for post-mortem examinations. Doctors confirmed that the deaths were caused by severe impact injuries sustained during the crash. Police officials stated that reports from the post-mortem and vehicle inspection will help determine the exact speed and circumstances at the time of the accident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are coordinating with Gujarat officials to assist the families.
Fog-Related Road Accidents Rising in Punjab
Every winter, dense fog blankets highways across Punjab, especially between December and February. Experts say Punjab records over 500 fog-related accidents every year, mostly during early morning hours. Major causes include:
- Overspeeding: High speed leaves drivers with no time to react when visibility suddenly drops.
- Poor visibility: Thick fog reduces sight distance, making dividers, turns, and vehicles hard to see.
- Lack of fog lamps: Many vehicles do not use proper fog lights, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Driver distraction: Mobile phone use and fatigue reduce alertness during dangerous foggy conditions.
Road Safety Tips for Driving in Foggy Conditions
To prevent such tragedies, experts advise:
- Drive below 30 km/h in dense fog to allow enough time to react to sudden obstacles.
- Use fog lamps and hazard lights to improve visibility and alert other drivers.
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid sudden braking collisions.
- Avoid early morning travel when possible as fog is usually thickest at that time.
- Regularly check weather and traffic alerts to stay informed about dangerous road conditions
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Government Response After Punjab Fog Fatalities
Following the accident, Punjab authorities announced stricter monitoring on fog-prone highways, improved signage, and increased patrols. Discussions are underway to install better lighting, warning systems, and speed cameras. Gujarat officials have also urged residents to exercise caution during long winter road trips.
