Khagaria: (ABN) At least 7 people have been killed and 4 others seriously injured in a horrific road accident in the district, triggering widespread outrage in the area. Police, who rushed to the scene, have sent the bodies for post-mortem. The accident occurred when a speeding truck collided with an auto-rickshaw carrying several people.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place near Thatha village on NH 31 in the Mansi police station area on Tuesday afternoon around 4 pm. The auto-rickshaw, packed with passengers, was heading from Khagaria to Maheshkhunt when the speeding truck, taking a wrong route, rammed into it. The impact was so severe that the auto-rickshaw's parts were torn apart, and the passengers were thrown off. As a result, 7 people died on the spot, while 4 others were left critically injured.

The injured have been admitted to Khagaria Sadar Hospital for treatment. The deceased include 3 women. Chaos erupted at the scene as local residents rushed to rescue the injured. In the chaos, the truck driver attempted to flee but ended up hitting a pickup van and a Tata Safari car. The incident has sparked widespread anger among local residents, who are demanding strict action against the truck driver. The accused driver has abandoned his vehicle and is on the run, with police searching for him. Locals attempted to catch him but he managed to escape.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 6 lives in the road accident at Thatha on NH 31 in the Mansi police station area of Khagaria district. The Chief Minister described the incident as extremely unfortunate and prayed for the bereaved families to have the strength to bear the loss. The Chief Minister has directed the Disaster Management Department to provide a relief amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He has also instructed for the proper treatment of the injured and prayed for their speedy recovery.