five-killed-four-injured-as-suv-hits-auto-in-gwalior

In a tragic road accident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, five persons were killed on the spot and four others, including two children, sustained serious injuries after a speeding SUV rammed into an auto-rickshaw in the early hours of Friday.

 

According to police, the incident took place around 3:00 am in the Thatipur police station area, near a Jain temple close to the Parshuram intersection. The vehicle involved, a Scorpio, was allegedly being driven at high speed and had earlier struck another vehicle near a bus stand, prompting a chase by a police First Response Vehicle (FRV).

 

Eyewitnesses said that despite police attempts to stop it, the SUV continued at high speed before crashing into an auto-rickshaw carrying nine passengers who were returning from the Sheetla Mata Temple.

 

The force of the collision pushed the auto-rickshaw into a roadside tree, causing severe damage. Five occupants of the auto died instantly at the scene, while the injured were rushed to a nearby trauma centre for treatment.

 

The deceased have been identified as Shubham Shakya, his wife Shagun Shakya, her mother Preeti Kashyap, Shubham’s uncle Indrajit Shakya, and his wife Leela Shakya. All belonged to the same extended family.

 

Among the injured are two children—five-year-old Priyansh and six-year-old Aarav—along with a woman and the auto driver. Doctors stated that the children are now out of danger, while the auto driver remains in critical condition with a severe head injury.

 

Police confirmed that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem at Jayarogya Hospital. Chief Superintendent of Police Atul Kumar Soni said, “There were nine passengers in the auto. Five have died, and four are undergoing treatment.”

 

Authorities further revealed that the SUV driver, who was alone in the vehicle, fled the scene immediately after the crash but was later apprehended. The vehicle has been seized.

 

Police are also investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Officials said a medical examination is underway, even as family members of the victims have alleged drunk driving.