Four people lost their lives and more than 20 others sustained injuries after a speeding pick-up van overturned near the Bundu toll plaza, about 25 kilometres from Ranchi in Jharkhand on Thursday.
The victims were residents of Biridih village of Khunti district and were on their way to Bundu’s Tau Maidan to attend the Adivasi Janakrosh Rally.
According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control, causing it to overturn. The pick-up was packed with men, women, and youths heading to the rally.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred while the van was attempting to overtake a bus. One of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The van grazed the bus and toppled into a roadside ditch.
Also Read: Freight train derails in Jharkhand halts Hatia–Rourkela route
Upon receiving information, Bundu Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Om Prakash, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kisto Kumar Besra, and local police personnel reached the site. With assistance from locals, the injured were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the Bundu Sub-Divisional Hospital in ambulances.
Besra confirmed that four people had died in the mishap, while 23 others were injured. Fifteen of them were later referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for advanced treatment.
He also acknowledged that the pick-up was overloaded and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for flouting transport regulations.
Local residents played a crucial role in the immediate rescue efforts, helping extricate those trapped under the overturned vehicle and taking the wounded to nearby medical centres for first aid.
In light of the tragedy, organisers decided to postpone the Adivasi Janakrosh Rally.
“Considering the unfortunate incident in which four people have died and several others were injured, we have postponed the Jan Akrosh Rally scheduled at Tau Maidan, Bundu,” said tribal leader Puran Chand Munda.
Follow us
