Pastor, Another Killed in Late-Night Road Accident in Jharkhand’s Khunti

Khunti- Two people, including a church pastor, lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, while another pastor was seriously injured, officials said on Thursday.

The accident took place around 11 p.m. on Wednesday near Dodma Bazaar Tand on the Khunti–Simdega main road under the Torpa police station area. The victims were travelling in a car that allegedly crashed into a truck from behind.

The deceased have been identified as Father Sushil Praveen Tidu of Dodma Bishunpur and Sunil Bhengra, a resident of Dodma. Another pastor, Father Johnson Bhengra, sustained critical injuries and was first taken to Sadar Hospital, Khunti, before being referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. His condition is reported to be serious.

Preliminary information suggests that the impact was extremely severe, completely damaging the front portion of the car and trapping the occupants inside. Local villagers and passersby rushed to the scene and assisted in rescue efforts, helping pull out the injured and shift them to hospital.

Doctors at Sadar Hospital declared Father Sushil Praveen Tidu and Sunil Bhengra dead on arrival. Father Johnson Bhengra was referred to RIMS due to the severity of his injuries.

Police reached the spot soon after receiving information, cleared the damaged vehicles, restored traffic, and detained the truck driver for questioning. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, though high speed and poor night-time visibility are suspected factors.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the local church community. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further legal procedures are in progress.

With inputs from IANS