Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jun 24: At least four people were killed and four others injured in a tragic road accident in Bihar's East Champaran district on Wednesday after an autorickshaw collided head-on with a speeding pickup van.
The accident took place at around 12.40 p.m. near Nayka Tola on the Chhapwa–Bettiah road under the jurisdiction of Sugauli police station.
According to police officials, the autorickshaw was travelling from Chhapwa when it crashed into a pickup van approaching from the Bettiah side. The impact was so severe that the autorickshaw was completely crushed, killing four passengers on the spot.
Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the crash and helped rescue those trapped inside the damaged vehicle before emergency teams arrived.
Police personnel soon reached the site and launched rescue and relief operations.
Sugauli Station House Officer Avnish Singh said the injured victims were taken by ambulance to the Community Health Centre for immediate treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Rubina Khatoon (30), Ayesha Khatoon (22), Jayad Khan (7), and Bhairon Sah.
Those who sustained serious injuries include Chand Khan, Shankar Kumar Sharma, Rifat Parveen and Manat Parveen. They have been referred to a hospital in Bettiah for specialised treatment.
The driver of the pickup van also suffered injuries in the collision.
Police have seized both vehicles involved in the accident and sent the bodies for post-mortem examinations. Family members of the deceased have been informed, and the procedures will be carried out in their presence.
Investigators said the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established. Authorities are waiting to record statements from the injured individuals once their condition improves to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
The incident has left the victims' families in deep mourning and cast a shadow of grief over the locality.
Police have registered an FIR and said further action will be taken after the investigation is completed. Those found responsible, including any errant drivers or other individuals linked to the accident, will be named in the case based on the evidence collected.