Ludhiana: Toddler crushed to death as private bus run over, driver arrested

July 15, 2026

A two-and-a-half-year-old child was crushed to death on the spot by a private school bus in Ludhiana on Wednesday morning. The impact was so severe that the child’s remains were left on the road after the bus’s front and rear tires ran over him. The child had come out of his house with his mother to see his elder sister off on the school bus.

After the accident, the driver attempted to flee with the bus, but villagers chased him down, caught him, and handed him over to the police. It is reported that the driver did not possess a valid license. The police are currently investigating the matter. The incident occurred in Shalu village, within the Kohara area.

Toddler had come to see his sister off
Around 7 AM on Wednesday, Samardeep was standing outside his home with his mother. His elder sister was about to leave for school on the BITS school bus, as she did every day. Just then, the bus arrived, and the toddler was struck by it.

Allegation that both tires ran over the child
According to eyewitnesses, first the front tire and then the rear tire of the bus ran over the child. The accident was so horrific that the child succumbed to his injuries right in front of his family. Villagers allege that instead of stopping after the accident, the driver tried to flee the scene. People shouted for him to stop, but he did not.

Villagers chased and caught the driver
Following the accident, villagers and passersby chased the bus in their own vehicles. A short distance away, near a neighboring village, the driver was caught and handed over to the police. Eyewitnesses stated that upon being caught, the driver claimed he was not at fault for the accident. This statement further enraged the crowd. The police arrived at the scene, rescued him from the mob, and took him into custody.

Claim of driving without a license
Villagers state that the young man driving the bus is around 19 years old and did not possess a valid driving license. However, the police have not yet confirmed this. The police are currently verifying the driver’s license, vehicle documents, and other records.

Police state: Legal action to follow investigation
Head Constable Jagtar Singh of the Kumkalan police station stated that legal action would be taken based on the facts that emerge after the investigation is completed. If the driver is found to lack a valid license or if any negligence is proven, a case will be registered under the relevant sections, and appropriate action will be taken. The child’s body has been placed in the Civil Hospital mortuary.