A devastating road accident on National Highway 57 near Araria Biodiversity Park in Araria district on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left seven others with serious injuries. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when a speeding SUV, heading towards Purnia, first struck a cyclist, Mohd Akhtar, a resident of Gaiyari village under Araria police station. The impact threw Akhtar across the road divider, causing his instant death.
Chain of Events
In an attempt to flee, the SUV driver lost control of the vehicle. The SUV then jumped the divider and landed on the roof of a car coming from the opposite direction, from Purnia towards Araria. The collision crushed the car, killing three occupants on the spot. The deceased were identified as Gautam Jha, Mayanand Jha, and Shanti Devi, all residents of Bishanpur village under Amour police station in Purnia district.
Rescue and Response
Araria SDPO Sushil Kumar reached the spot with police personnel soon after receiving information. He supervised the rescue operation, arranged ambulances, ensured the injured were shifted to Sadar hospital for treatment, and seized the damaged vehicles. Following the accident, a large number of villagers gathered at the spot and briefly disrupted traffic on NH-57. Protesters alleged delay in ambulance and administrative response. The SDPO pacified the crowd and restored order.
“Further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident and identify the SUV driver,” he added.
