A devastating road accident claimed five lives and left one person injured in Gumla district on Thursday. The tragedy unfolded on National Highway 23 near Bhadgaon village, within the jurisdiction of Bharno police station.
Details of the Collision
A pick-up van carrying six people was struck from behind by a truck. The impact of the collision proved fatal for five occupants of the smaller vehicle. Police officials confirmed the incident occurred during the morning hours.
Victims and Their Journey
The group was traveling from Dhurwa in Ranchi to Gumla with a specific purpose. They planned to sell tilkuts, a traditional sweet, for the upcoming Makar Sankranti festival. This festive journey turned tragic on the highway.
Police have identified four of the deceased individuals:
- Baleshwar Sahu, aged 48, owned a grocery shop in Dhurwa.
- Sunil Kumar Sao, 30 years old, hailed from Keradari in Hazaribag.
- Sanjay Kumar Bhuiyan, 22 years old, also resided in Keradari, Hazaribag.
- Bajrang Kumar, 38 years old, whose exact address remains unknown to authorities.
A fifth victim passed away at Paras Hospital in Ranchi. This individual was first taken to a hospital in Sisai before being referred to the larger facility. Police have not yet released this person's name.
Possible Cause and Police Investigation
Initial investigations point to poor visibility as a likely factor in the accident. The Bharno police station officer-in-charge, Kanchan Prajapati, stated that low visibility conditions might have contributed to the tragic collision.
Police are continuing their investigation into the exact circumstances. They are examining the scene and speaking with witnesses to determine the complete sequence of events.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety on Indian highways, particularly during early morning hours when visibility can be challenging. The local community has expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives during what should have been a festive business trip.
