Mob sets ablaze the Thar SUV
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Panic gripped Patna late on Wednesday night after an out-of-control Thar SUV ran over several people in the Gola Road area under the Danapur police station limits. The incident left many injured, who were rushed to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and nearby government hospitals for treatment.
According to local residents, the Thar was coming from the Janaki Temple side on Gola Road when it first struck a cow. While attempting to flee, the driver rammed into an e-rickshaw. As people raised an alarm, the driver allegedly accelerated further and continued ploughing into anyone who came in his way.
In the ensuing chaos, the SUV hit a scooter, a Bullet motorcycle and a bicycle. The bicycle got stuck under the vehicle and was dragged along for some distance. The rampage finally came to a halt when the Thar got stuck in a roadside pit.
Locals said the incident could have been far more disastrous had the vehicle not stopped, with several lives potentially at risk. As soon as the SUV was immobilised, angry residents overpowered the driver and assaulted him. The mob then set the Thar on fire. People alleged that the driver was intoxicated, which led to the accident.
On receiving information, teams from Danapur and Rupsaspur police stations reached the spot and brought the situation under control after persuading the crowd. The Danapur fire brigade was also alerted. Fire tenders arrived at the scene and, after considerable effort, doused the flames. The burnt vehicle was later removed from the road to restore traffic.
The injured include siblings Hrithik Kumar (31) and Komal Kumari (30), along with Madhav Kumar (55) and Shekhar Kumar (34). Some of the injured were admitted to the Danapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, while others were referred to PMCH.
Confirming the incident, Danapur station house officer Prashant Kumar Bhardwaj said, “We received information about a four-wheeler hitting multiple vehicles. Several people were injured and admitted to hospital. After reports of the vehicle being set on fire, the fire brigade was called, which brought the blaze under control. The matter is under investigation.”
Police said CCTV footage from the scene and surrounding areas is being examined to ascertain how the accident occurred and to determine the driver’s role. The allegation of the driver being under the influence of alcohol is also being probed. Further legal action will be taken after the medical report is received.
Following the incident, fear prevails in the area. Local residents have demanded stricter action on road safety and against speeding vehicles at night. Police have appealed for calm and assured that stringent action will be taken against those found guilty.
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