At least eight devotees were killed and over 25 injured when a bus carrying pilgrims, who were returning after paying obeisance at Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of Baisakhi, met with an accident near Himmatgarh village late Tuesday night.The accident occurred on the Morinda-Chunni road, 3 km before the destination. The bus reportedly hit a pothole, went out of control, struck an electricity pole and then crashed into a tree before overturning. Villagers alleged that snapped electricity wires after the collision caused minor electric shocks.The deceased have been identified as granthi and bus driver Iqbal Singh, Ranjit Kaur, Pradeep Kaur, Jagwinder Singh, Lakhveer Singh, Harveer Singh, Panch Harchand Singh (all residents of Main Majri) and Kulwinder Singh of Kajjal Majra.Two brothers — Harveer Singh and Lakhveer Singh — and their sister-in-law Ranjit Kaur were among those who lost their lives in the accident. The family had already lost two brothers earlier, compounding the grief.Over 25 passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Morinda, Fatehgarh Sahib and Bassi Pathana. Eight critically injured persons were referred to the PGI, Chandigarh.Local residents rushed to the spot and informed the police. Senior Superintendent of Police Shubham Aggarwal, DC Sona Thind and local MLA Rupinder Singh Happy reached the spot and supervised the relief operations. The police removed the damaged bus and restored traffic at night.The bus belonged to a village gurdwara and was part of a religious procession carrying the palki of Guru Granth Sahib. Around 35 devotees from villages, including Main Majri, Kajjal Majra and Shergarh Bara, were on board.Irate villagers blamed the poor condition of the road for the mishap, stating that deep potholes on the busy stretch had long been ignored despite repeated complaints. When administrative officials, including the SDM, visited the site, residents raised slogans against the government and the district administration.However, police officials indicated that a technical fault in the bus could also have led to the driver losing control over the vehicle.Prime Minister Narinder Modi, CM Bhagwant Mann, PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and SAD president Sukhbir Badal expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Several political and religious leaders also mourned the tragedy.Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, directed the SGPC to reach out to the affected families and extend all possible assistance.The SGPC expressed condolences over the demise of the devotees.SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the Sikh body would extend all possible help to the victims.