This is the tragic moment a tractor fatally crushes a professional stuntman as he attempts to take control of the vehicle during a rural sports fair.
The incident occurred in the village of Sarchur, near Batala City, in the Gurdaspur district of the state of Punjab, in India on 28th October.
The professional stuntman, who hails from Thatha village in Punjab and who has been named as 29-year-old Sukhmandeep Singh was dad to a 7-year-old son and was declared dead on arrival after being rushed to hospital.
The tractor, its engine revved, can be seen on its rear wheels, with its front wheels raised.
The tractor suddenly veers towards the crowd, prompting Singh to race towards it to take control of it while signalling to the audience to get back.
He placed one of his hands on an iron part near one of the rear tyres as he attempted to gain control of the tractor.
Unfortunately, one of his legs became stuck in the sand, leading to the tractor turning around and crushing Singh.
The tractor then careened uncontrollably towards the crowd, prompting people to flee for safety, while some rushed towards the area where Singh’s body lay in the sand.
The stuntman was swiftly taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following the incident, the fair was reportedly cancelled.
Himanshu Aggarwal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Gurdaspur, said the police are investigating the fatal incident.
He said that permission had not been obtained to perform the stunt and he has instructed the sub-divisional magistrate to take appropriate action against the organisers.
He added that “such events, are only permitted when they adhere to safety standards and receive proper authorisation.”
Sukhmandeep Singh’s mother is an employee of the Punjab Police, and his father, Nirvair Singh, holds the position of Nambardar of Thathe, a traditional local village headman or leader in Punjab.
Manpreet Singh Badesha, a resident of Thathe village, said: “Sukhmandeep had been performing stunts for the past 7-8 years. He had even participated in a Punjabi channel to showcase his stunts. We are shocked to hear about his death.”
