In a tragic incident in Khunti, Jharkhand, two individuals, including a church priest, lost their lives, and another priest sustained severe injuries. The fatal collision occurred on the Khunti-Simdega main road near Dodma Bazaar Tand, involving a car and a truck. The deceased have been identified as Father Sushil Praveen Tidu and Sunil Bhengra, while Father Johnson Bhengra is in critical condition and has been transferred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, for further treatment.
The collision was so intense that the car’s front portion was severely damaged, trapping the occupants inside. Local villagers and passersby promptly responded to the accident, assisting in the rescue operation. Father Sushil Praveen Tidu and Sunil Bhengra were declared dead upon arrival at Sadar Hospital, Khunti, while Father Johnson Bhengra was referred to RIMS due to the seriousness of his injuries.
Following the incident, Torpa police arrived at the scene, cleared the vehicles, and restored traffic flow. The truck driver involved has been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Initial findings suggest that factors such as high speed, poor visibility at night, and a potential misjudgment of distance may have contributed to the accident, although a detailed probe will determine the exact cause.
The tragic loss has deeply affected the church community and local residents, leading to a period of mourning. Post-mortem examinations have been scheduled for the deceased, with legal procedures underway to address the situation.
