7 killed as speeding truck ploughs into crowd gathered after scooty accident in Jharkhand

KHUNTI: Seven people were killed and a child was critically injured after a speeding truck ran over a group of people near Jone-Ludru Morh on the Karra-Torpa road in Jharkhand's Khunti district late on Thursday night.The accident occurred under the jurisdiction of Karra police station. According to police, the injured child was rushed to Khunti Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment.Preliminary reports suggest that an 18-wheeler truck, coming from the Torpa side, lost control near a colony on the Karra railway station-Torpa road.The vehicle allegedly ploughed into people standing along the roadside before crashing through a culvert and falling into a ditch. The truck driver and his helper fled the spot after the incident.Eyewitnesses said a scooter had met with an accident at the same location around 9.30 pm. Residents of the nearby colony and passers-by had gathered at the spot after hearing the sound of the crash. Moments later, the speeding truck rammed into the crowd, resulting in multiple casualties.Karra police station in-charge Raju Kumar, accompanied by police personnel and healthcare workers from CHC Karra, reached the spot soon after receiving information about the accident.The injured child was initially taken to the community health centre and later referred to Khunti Sadar Hospital after doctors found the child's condition to be critical.Police have launched an investigation into the accident and are searching for the absconding driver and helper. The identities of the deceased were being ascertained at the time of filing this report.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives in a mishap in Jharkhand's Khunti district.The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.The Prime Minister's Office wrote on X:"Deeply pained by the loss of lives in a mishap in Khunti, Jharkhand. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.