Six-year-old among four killed in Sahibganj auto–tanker collision

Sahibganj: A devastating road accident in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district on Friday claimed the lives of four people, including a six-year-old schoolgirl, while leaving five others seriously injured, officials confirmed.

The accident occurred on the Barhait–Barharwa main road near the Chhota Ranga Dand bridge on Friday afternoon after a passenger auto-rickshaw rammed head-on into an oil tanker.

According to eyewitness accounts, the auto was en route from Barhait to Barharwa and was supposed to drop passengers at Dahujor Chowk. The collision took place before the vehicle could reach the stop.

Those killed have been identified as Samra Sah (30) from Bada Ranga village, Randani Soren (30) from Ghatiari village, six-year-old schoolgirl Shanti Hembram of Dahujor, and Amal Kumar, who was driving the auto-rickshaw.

Police officials said three passengers died instantly, while the auto driver, who was critically injured, died during treatment at a local hospital.

Five other passengers, including three children, suffered severe injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities by local residents. Doctors said some of the injured remain in critical condition.

The driver of the oil tanker reportedly fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind. Following the incident, agitated locals vandalised the Ranga community health centre, alleging delays and negligence in medical care.

Police personnel from Barharwa and Ranga police stations, under the supervision of Barharwa SDPO Nitin Khandelwal, arrived at the spot, controlled the situation, and began an investigation. The bodies have been taken into custody for post-mortem examination, and further probe is underway.

With inputs from IANS