At least four individuals, including a six-year-old schoolgirl, lost their lives, and five others suffered severe injuries in a devastating road mishap in Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The incident occurred near the Chhota Ranga Dand bridge on the Barhait–Barharwa main road when a passenger auto-rickshaw collided head-on with an oil tanker. Eyewitnesses reported that the auto-rickshaw was en route from Barhait to Barharwa, while the oil tanker was traveling in the opposite direction.
The passengers in the auto were supposed to disembark at Dahujor Chowk, but the collision tragically transpired before reaching the intended destination. The deceased individuals have been identified as Samra Sah (30) from Bada Ranga village, Randani Soren (30) from Ghatiari village, Shanti Hembram (6) – a student from Dahujor, and Amal Kumar, the auto-rickshaw driver. Regrettably, three victims perished on the spot, with the critically injured driver succumbing to his injuries during treatment at a nearby medical facility.
Five others, including three children, sustained serious injuries in the accident and were promptly taken to nearby health facilities with the assistance of local residents. Hospital authorities have reported that some of the injured individuals remain in critical condition. The driver of the oil tanker absconded from the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
Subsequent to the tragic event, enraged locals vandalized the community health center in Ranga, alleging medical staff negligence and delayed treatment for the injured. Upon notification, law enforcement officers from Barharwa and Ranga police stations, under the leadership of Barharwa SDPO Nitin Khandelwal, arrived at the scene, managed the situation, and commenced an inquiry. The bodies have been seized by the police for post-mortem examination, while investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident.
