PANIPAT – In a concerning incident on the National Highway, Haryana’s Development and Panchayats Minister, Krishan Lal Panwar, sustained injuries on Friday after his official convoy was involved in a major road accident. The collision occurred on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road near Panipat, leading to the minister’s immediate hospitalization.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place on Friday afternoon while the Minister was traveling from Chandigarh toward Sonipat. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the mishap was triggered when a vehicle ahead of the convoy suddenly applied emergency brakes near a toll plaza.
The sudden halt caused a chain reaction. The pilot vehicle in the convoy braked sharply, leading to a “pile-up” effect. Minister Panwar’s SUV, which was positioned in the middle of the convoy, bore the brunt of the impact. The force of the collision was significant enough to cause extensive damage to the front of the SUV, as seen in circulating images of the wreckage.
Emergency Response and Health Status
Immediately following the crash, security personnel and onlookers rushed to assist the Minister. He was moved to the Civil Hospital in Panipat for emergency medical attention.
Hospital authorities and district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, arrived shortly after to monitor the situation. Dr. Rinku Sangwan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, provided an update on the Minister’s condition:
Police officials confirmed that the vehicle’s airbags deployed successfully, which likely prevented more severe injuries to the Minister and his staff.
Political Leaders Extend Support
News of the accident prompted a wave of concern across the state’s political landscape. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Health Minister Anil Vij reportedly reached out to inquire about Panwar’s health and wished him a speedy recovery.
Additionally, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli personally visited the hospital to meet with the Minister and his family, ensuring that the best possible medical care was being provided.
Police Investigation Underway
The Panipat Police have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances of the crash. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Sector 13/17 Police Station.
Initial findings suggest that a car with a Delhi registration number was the primary cause of the sudden braking incident. Superintendent of Police Bhupender Singh stated:
- The offending vehicle has been identified.
- Statements from the convoy drivers and witnesses are being recorded.
- Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the highway to determine if there was any negligence involved.
About Krishan Lal Panwar
Krishan Lal Panwar is a veteran politician and a prominent face in the Haryana Cabinet, holding the portfolios of Development and Panchayats as well as Mines and Geology. He was traveling to Sonipat to oversee preparations for the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections at the time of the incident.
The Minister has since been discharged after being declared out of danger and is currently resting at his residence. Traffic on the GT Road, which was briefly disrupted following the accident, has returned to normalcy.
